Which battery?

[Joss Walker]

OK - so it looks like my battery is shot and I will need a new one if I want to get home from Rutland. I remember reading how people have achieved a faster start/turnover with a more powerful battery, any recommendations as to the best power and brand? (does the brand matter? I don't think I've ever replaced a battery on any of my cars! they've all run with their originals very nicely)

 

[DavidL]

Bosch silver - 78 amp/hr IIRC.

 

[Hilux]

OK - so it looks like my battery is shot and I will need a new one if I want to get home from Rutland. I remember reading how people have achieved a faster start/turnover with a more powerful battery, any recommendations as to the best power and brand? (does the brand matter? I don't think I've ever replaced a battery on any of my cars! they've all run with their originals very nicely)

Not necessarily...................many slow turnover issues are partly due to poor earths and a new battery simply disguises this for a while. First check your earths, the braided type are renowned for breaking down and ensure you have good connections by removing and cleaning all terminals (battery posts too) Finally test your alternators output, dont rely on the gauge. You need 13.5 - 14 volts to keep a battery charged reliably.

 

[zcacogp]

^^^ What he said. Check your connections before spending money on a new battery; a new battery won't solve bad connections. The biggies (from memory) are the two battery terminals, the battery earth strap to the bodywork, both ends of the engine earth strap and the big connection on the end of the starter motor (lowest point of the car - underneath the centre console.) If you DO end up buying a new battery then find someone with some kind of trade discount card locally as the mark-up to customers is huge. A Halfords trade card produces a hefty discount, or find someone who is a member of the Vauxhall Trade Club scheme. Both of these will get the cost of a good-quality battery down from around £120 to nearer £60-£70. Oli.

 

[J4CKO]

I got the Bosch one from Halfords, mine was turning over slowly, tested it and it was on its way out, £120 but my dad has a trade card so got a decent discount which took the sting out, now doesnt sound like its touch and go whether its going to stary, I checked the battery eart, it was new and the lazy sod that had fitted it had left the old one down there as well.