If the battery is more than four years old I would replace it. It sure beats
getting stranded in the cold. The problem is that as batteries age they will
all the sudden die as the plates short out in one cell. I have had that
happen a couple of times. Battery was very strong starting but one day I
come out to start it and it is stone dead and would not take a charge. A
battery could last seven years but that is really pushing it and almost any
not bottom of the line battery will last four years for sure assuming the
battery was not defective to start with or there is nor a problem with the
car's electrical system overcharging the battery all the time. I bought a
Wal-Mart battery for $40 and installed it myself. It has a 72 month pro
rated warranty and a two year free replacement warranty. It is made by
Exide. One reason other than price that I bought a Wal-Mart battery is
because it had the manufacture date stamped on the side and I was able to
get a very fresh one less than a month old. --- Steve


"jasmine via CarKB.com" <u16036@uwe> wrote in message
news:57d03e24ed52d@uwe...
> Hi , I'm trying to determine if my mechanic is ripping me off !? He says
> my
> car wont start if it's - 10 outside ?! It was -19 degres this morning (
> with
> the windshield ) and my car start with no problem ! I went and got it
> tested
> at another shop ( Call me paranoid but as soon as they see a woman walk
> in
> they see Dollar bills ! ) It was over 14 volts at all times with the car
> running , I even pressed on the brakes to make sure reading was accurate
> as
> well as turned on all my defrosts , radio , and heat . the 2 nd dealer
> said I
> do not need a new battery . I'm confused now !? How can I know for sure if
> I
> need a new battery !? Please help me ! =)
>
> --
> Message posted via CarKB.com
> http://www.carkb.com/Uwe/Forums.aspx...-cars/200511/1