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Brand does not much matter. Most are made by the same company and the re-branded. Just get one at Harbor Freight. You get the same thing and pay 1/3 the price.
I just got a used f430 and it has a factory battery tender. I don't trust it so I bought one at costco and will install it.
Can't imagine why you just offhand don't trust the factory BT on this (excellent, BTW) car. You can prove to yourself if it's working or not just by putting a voltmeter on the battery. If it's charging, you will see (slightly) higher voltage when it's charging.
OP, you want a battery tender or float charger, which have the ability to sense when the battery is charged and shut down, and not a trickle charger which will keep supplying current to a battery that's fully charged and potentially damage the battery. The Battery Tender brand is fine.
Any reason why the car cannot be started bi-weekly or monthly? I'd think this would also prevent the effects of dry starts on the engine and A/C compressor. The refrigerant contains lubricant.
Any reason why the car cannot be started bi-weekly or monthly? I'd think this would also prevent the effects of dry starts on the engine and A/C compressor. The refrigerant contains lubricant.
If you don't drive say at least 5 to 10 miles, better IMHO to not start the car at all.
The BT simply keeps the battery in peak condition, 24/7.
Location: West Los Angeles and Rancho Palos Verdes
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ddm2k
Any reason why the car cannot be started bi-weekly or monthly? I'd think this would also prevent the effects of dry starts on the engine and A/C compressor. The refrigerant contains lubricant.
Sometimes I'm gone more than a month. And this is a second car, and it takes a lot of juice to get it started and fully charge the very large battery.
Buy a BT or Cetek...hook it up, enjoy the full batt when you want to drive it.
If full time on/connected is a slight concern, (mice knocking off one of the alligator clamps), black electrical tape on the A clamps/lugs is what I use for longer term storage.
I keep 3 cars and 3 old(er) m/cycles in full tilt boogie mood with 3 Battery Tenders, in rotation...
And/or run the BT through an older style appliance timer and set it to come on 3 times a week for 12+ hrs.
Any/all of the above posts are on the spot; this isn't theoretical physics; buy one, attach, enjoy the full charged, topped off battery in your car.
GL, mD
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