Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
i would test it regularly, perhaps once a month or so, to see if it is still performing as it should. no need to replace a battery that is still holding a proper charge, and is still operating within specs.
that said however, your battery is nearing the end of its expected life span, which is why i recommended that you check it regularly on a proper load tester.
I have a 2005 Impala that has the original battery, I think. Should I think about replacing it soon?
Yes!! Replace the battery with a battery that has the the most cold cranking amps (CCA) that will physically fit in your battery box. A real cheap upgrade to any car.
Do you live in a cold climate?
Have it tested for CCA; auto parts stores will do this for free. I do this prophylactically in the fall/early winter for older batteries.
I've lived in very cold climates for several decades and have had batteries go for 8-11 years. I suppose it also depends on the quality of the battery.
Then again they're not all that expensive and at eight years old you have a pretty senior battery so better spend the $150 (give or take) now than end up start-less and needing a jump.
I agree. Have it tested. Its really hard to guesstimate how long a battery will last. I had the original battery in my truck last 13 years but on the other hand the battery in my wife's car lasted for 3.
8 years or so? Have it load tested maybe twice a year, by any parts store or DIY.
Batteries normally do not just die. They will "let you know".
What you SHOULD DO is clean terminals immediately. lubricate poles with dielectric grease, set terminals so that they touch battery top, and maybe even drive a screw into pole, to secure terminal in place. I'll let the esteemed posters here do the science why.
When done, spray electric parts sealant liberally over terminals and poles. You just added few years of life to your battery.
8 years or so? Have it load tested maybe twice a year, by any parts store or DIY.
Batteries normally do not just die. They will "let you know".
What you SHOULD DO is clean terminals immediately. lubricate poles with dielectric grease, set terminals so that they touch battery top, and maybe even drive a screw into pole, to secure terminal in place. I'll let the esteemed posters here do the science why.
When done, spray electric parts sealant liberally over terminals and poles. You just added few years of life to your battery.
BILLIONS of batteries have worked perfectly without anyone drilling holes into them. DO NOT drill holes into a battery terminal.
None of that will add years to the life of a battery, but may extend the life and give better performance.
OP-I would monitor the battery as said before, and be prepared to replace it at a moment's notice. Batteries can die overnight with no warning. It happens every day.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
