How long should a 12v Car Battey last?

[norseman]

Really appreciate that.

A cursory look and it suggests Halfords may be my best bet, Yuasa with a 5 year guarantee £155 fitted.

Before getting too excited about battery warranties read the small print. In many cases the 'free replacement' period is often only 12 or maybe 24 months, after that the retailer will replace the item at a cost percentage based on the remaining warranty & of course the price of the replacement battery will have risen since you bought the original.

In addition to full breakdown cover I carry a compact jump-start/power pack unit in the car, peace of mind for a small outlay.

 

[Ron0z]

Batteries will have a harder time in winter than in summer. If starting was a bit iffy in the warmer months, then you'll probably find it dead one cold morning in winter. As insurance, buy a good quality set of jumper leads and don't worry about the battery life too much. You can always get a jump start from someone. So you won't be stuck anywhere. When that day happens, take a drive down to your favourite battery shop. My battery experience has been anywhere between 3 to 4 years. Had one that failed under 12 months but got a warranty replacement. Though, in that case, I have to admit, the car had been idle for about six months. I suspect it discharged with non use. Lead-acid batteries don't do well when discharged.

 

[Murdochcat]

8 to 10 years

 

[norseman]

As long as a politician's popularity

 

[Deluks]

Spend the money on a power pack instead, then you've got a backup option if it starts playing up.

 

[Brigadier]

Spend the money on a power pack instead, then you've got a backup option if it starts playing up.

How long does a power pack last though?

 

[carmanmemoranda]

Spend the money on a power pack instead, then you've got a backup option if it starts playing up.

And then buy a battery when it does.

Be easier and cheaper to buy a battery

 

[Johntheo5]

I just missed having a starting handle when I started driving, (don't forget to take your Model T out of gear before using it).

 

[Ron0z]

Model T

Not just the mighty T? My Morris Oxford could be started that way, too. I did it often in the days when I couldn't afford a new battery. But one of the good things about those old bombs was that they could run without a battery (once you got them started); so long as you kept the revs up, they'd keep on going.

 

[norseman]

How long does a power pack last though?

I have an Audew that will be 5 years old next month. Allegedly will start up to 4 litre petrol/3 litre diesel & cost around £30 in a black Friday sale.
Only used a couple of times (on other people's cars) & if dormant will go months with the power indicator showing full charge.

I think such devices are an essential back-up these days with cars so dependent on consistent battery power.
My own is 27 years old & even for that year of manuf. it's electrical complexity is scary.

 

[Johntheo5]

I have an Audew that will be 5 years old next month. Allegedly will start up to 4 litre petrol/3 litre diesel & cost around £30 in a black Friday sale.
Only used a couple of times (on other people's cars) & if dormant will go months with the power indicator showing full charge.

I think such devices are an essential back-up these days with cars so dependent on consistent battery power.
My own is 27 years old & even for that year of manuf. it's electrical complexity is scary.

They work on a pretty wide voltage range from a minimum of say 11.6V up to a maximum of nearly 15.0V depending on the charging voltage which in itself can vary continuously between 13.2V and at least 14.8/14.9V, you can sometimes hear the fan speed rising and falling.

 

[Diver Fred]

Is your car regularly serviced at a main dealer (or an independent specialist)? Ask them for a replacement battery price as the car needs 'coding' to a replacement battery.
My other suggestion is have the largest capacity battery fitted that will fit in the battery tray.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

My other suggestion is have the largest capacity battery fitted that will fit in the battery tray.

That is what I always do. Not only does that give you extra capacity, but for normal starting, each start will tax a larger battery less than it would a smaller one. The less the battery is taxed, in normal use, the longer it will last.

 

[johnny2007]

Really appreciate that.

A cursory look and it suggests Halfords may be my best bet, Yuasa with a 5 year guarantee £155 fitted.

Check for prices on Tayna website.
When I bought mine for the A6 I found it half price compared to Halfords

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[JohnD]

I've repeatedly got ten years from a Varta Silvertop.