On Thu, 24 Jan 2008 03:16:29 GMT, Larry in AZ
<usenet2@DE.LETE.THISljvideo.com> wrote:

>Waiving the right to remain silent, "Sid Schweiger" <spam@this.cretin> said:
>
>>>> I have a 2004 TL with less than 30,000 miles and already had to
>>>> replace the battery.
>>>>
>>>> Have others had similar experiences? It seems to me, Acura/Honda
>>>> chose an inexpensive Delco battery to save money, just like the
>>>> terrible Bridgestone OEM tires.
>>
>> 58,000 miles on my 2004 TL...still using the original battery, which never
>> fails to start the car, even with temps in the single digits.
>
>Happy to hear that. I also have a 2004 TL, but mine has less than 16,000
>miles. ;-)

Batteries have two key design criteria that largely determine their
life in normal usage:
1. The initial thickness of the lead plates.
2. The amount of space designed in between the bottom of the case and
the bottom of the plates.

As lead sulfate accumulates over time in the battery, eventually, it
will touch the bottom of one or more set of plates in the cells and
short the cell. It is also possible to have the plates get so thin
they crack from thermal stresses with normal use,.

In any case, you now have a battery with low voltage and low cranking
power. Manufacturers who offer battery warranties have these
parameters adjusted so that a given battery is likely to need
replacing somewhat short of the end of the warranty. Being in
warranty, you go back for the credit (a few bucks at that point) and
get another battery from them.

Some things that can dramatically upset the life expectancy can be
driving up and down, or parking up or down steep hills, all of which
can shift the lead sulfate deposits and short a cell; or very heavy
loads from high heat or very low temps. Improperly set charging
systems can also overheat the battery and damage it. As can low water
levels.

I'm just happy if it holds a charge and voltage to within a few months
of the advertised life.

Paul