Do I really need a new battery?

[tan8856]

A mechanic has told me I need a new battery as mine isnt working fully. Im hoping i can get by with this one for a while longer but obviously i dont want it to fail when im out and about.

Its a ford focus 04 1.6 with a rating of 390 CCA which is now reading 228 CCA (thats what the mechanic's electronic battery tester displayed and the device said 'replace battery').

Do i really need a new one?

 

[Burnerman]

CCA stands for Cold Cranking Amps and your battery can certainly supply enough, although it is below par - naturally for its age!
However - does the car crank a little slowly from cold? Does the battery go flat if left for a week or two? Tests like these are accurate enough.
Batteries last much longer than they used to, but obviously the more times a car has been started can take its toll.
Winter is the severest test - I guess your battery will be fine through the summer, but may not like it when its very cold.
John

 

[TicklyT]

IME modern batteries last much longer than older ones, but when they do fail, they fail very rapidly with little warning.

I do not see any reason to replace an old battery that's performing adequately. It may continue to do so for another year or even two. I would just accept that one morning it's not going to do the business, and prepare a contingency to replace it when that day occurs.

 

[holmslaw]

These people replace my battery last year, inc home fitting and scrapping the old one.

http://www.etyres.co.uk/uk-car-batteries

 

[JohnD]

how old is the battery?

s Burnerman says, it is the cold weather that will make it let you down.

Up to you whether you choose to use this warm summer tyo search around for the best value, and fit a new one at your convenience, or if you prefer to have it let you down one cold morning when you're in a hurry and pay full ticket price.

 

[kevindgas]

CCA stands for Cold Cranking Amps and your battery can certainly supply enough, although it is below par - naturally for its age!
However - does the car crank a little slowly from cold? Does the battery go flat if left for a week or two? Tests like these are accurate enough.
Batteries last much longer than they used to, but obviously the more times a car has been started can take its toll.
Winter is the severest test - I guess your battery will be fine through the summer, but may not like it when its very cold.
John

i would agree 100%
last winter my vans battery gave me a few non starts needing a jump from the car! the battery will need to be replaced, but through the summer it has been fine and will probably give me no trouble until the weather changes.

 

[HERTS P&D]

Also work out how much a battery is compared to be stranded in the middle of no where, or going some where important and finding the car wont start due to the battery.

You decide!

Andy