[pganapathy]

My Omni battery is still stock and going strong at 5 years, because of very regular use. My Esteem battery was replaced after about 4.5 years because the car was not used as much and there was one period when it sat idle for a few weeks. I believe most of these batteries can peacefully last 5 years if maintained well and there is not a phenomenal load on them in the vehicle (extra lights, music system etc.).

[thoma]

Originally Posted by sumeethaldankar

after 6 years of service.The car is not driven much and has just 16.8K on the odo.

I am curious to know how the usage pattern was. I guess he had some decent long distance travel every month. The average distance per month comes to only 230 kms. If there were lots of start/stops and frequent small distance drives, I wonder how the battery got a chance to recharge effectively then.



We have the Highest reading in Odometer thread. Now, I think we should start a new thread on cars with the lowest mileage with most years of ownership

[sumeethaldankar]

Originally Posted by thoma

I am curious to know how the usage pattern was. I guess he had some decent long distance travel every month. The average distance per month comes to only 230 kms. If there were lots of start/stops and frequent small distance drives, I wonder how the battery got a chance to recharge effectively then.

Used on weekends and once a day to his office.Every 4-5 months a trip to Pune or some nearby destination like Lonavla etc.

[JRD]

regardless of the usage and care taken, all our cars have to go for a battery change at around 3 years.

[iamswift]

I have to crank 2 or 3 times to get my Swift vxi to be started at morning. I checked the Amaron OEM battery in MASS last week (4 yrs and 4 months now) with 25000kms on odo.
Though the voltage levels are fine, the recommendation came as to replace the battery. The guy who tested says I can run for few more days. But otherwise all is well. Looking at volt level, is it really worth waiting for couple of months or I should replace immediately?
I checked MASS and they had new OEM (Amaron same model) in stock and is priced 7000+. There is no exchange of old battery as well.
On outside, Amaron FLO - priced around 3500 to 4000 with exchange of old battery for Rs. 500 or 700.
Why is OEM battery so pricy? or MASS taking a ride?

[jinojohnt]

Can somebody post the voltage ratings that can be used to decide whether a battery is fine?

A battery dealer quoted 12.25 V as the minimum voltage required for cranking. I am looking for reliable info on the following parameters too:
1. Max allowed Voltage Drop while cranking
2. Max Voltage Drop for A/C, Headlights and other electricals when the engine is running
3. Max voltage increase from alternator when engine is revved.
4. Min Specific gravity (I know blue/yellow means ok, and red means cell has conked while checking with a specific gravity meter)

[rajeev k]

Originally Posted by iamswift

I have to crank 2 or 3 times to get my Swift vxi to be started at morning.
Why is OEM battery so pricy? or MASS taking a ride?

Your battery appears quite fine. How long is your cranking time for your 2 or 3 times?
When it really needs replacement get the new one from a battery dealer who deals in your preferred brand.

[sumeethaldankar]

Originally Posted by iamswift

I have to crank 2 or 3 times to get my Swift vxi to be started at morning. I checked the Amaron OEM battery in MASS last week (4 yrs and 4 months now) with 25000kms on odo.
Though the voltage levels are fine, the recommendation came as to replace the battery. The guy who tested says I can run for few more days. But otherwise all is well. Looking at volt level, is it really worth waiting for couple of months or I should replace immediately?
I checked MASS and they had new OEM (Amaron same model) in stock and is priced 7000+. There is no exchange of old battery as well.
On outside, Amaron FLO - priced around 3500 to 4000 with exchange of old battery for Rs. 500 or 700.
Why is OEM battery so pricy? or MASS taking a ride?

There is no difference between oe battery and the one sold in the after market it's just that all A.s.s try to con buyers by charging exorbitant prices.Not even batteries even accessories are overpriced there.Please buy from a good battery shop only and avoid the MASS

[drbones]

My 2009 feb santro Xing battery is running fine after 3yrs 8mts, 38978 kms to be precise with out any problem. I never checked it till date. Don't even know what make is it ? Will definitely check it tomorrow. It always cranks my car with first ignition.

[SSD2122]

The OEM battery in my Getz 1.3L lasted 5 years. It gave no indication what so ever and suddenly went out. On checking, it had only 10V in place of 12V needed to crank the engine. The battery indicator on dashboard also showed it fine as it had 10V - that's what the exide mobile van service guy mentioned. Got a new one for 6k.

[ssk3g5]

Not sure of others would believe this, but even the battery replacement guy did not believe me until he confirmed the date of manufacturing.
My 2004 Santro battery Exide lasted a complete 7 years, my overall running of the car from April 2004 to 2011 was 57000+ Kms.
There are two aspects to car battery one is number of cranks and one is overall life, and AFAIK I don’t think I ever gave the battery for any kind of charging just plain lucky probably.

[rajeshchand]

Originally Posted by ssk3g5

Not sure of others would believe this, but even the battery replacement guy did not believe me until he confirmed the date of manufacturing.
My 2004 Santro battery Exide lasted a complete 7 years, my overall running of the car from April 2004 to 2011 was 57000+ Kms.
There are two aspects to car battery one is number of cranks and one is overall life, and AFAIK I don’t think I ever gave the battery for any kind of charging just plain lucky probably.

I had one in my previous vehicle scorpio which ran for full 6 years, i am quite sure it would have served me more except that one morning i just decided to change it since my gut feeling just said so before embarking upon a long drive.

[pjbiju]

After 6 years and 7 months, I replaced the OEM Amaron battery of my Swift Petrol today with the S435R Bosch battery at a cost of Rs. 3363 (Battery MRP was Rs. 3750). The Bosch battery carries a warranty of 18 months. The OEM battery still showed it was in good health (by voltage reading) and I have had no problems in cranking the car. However since I am planning to make a long trip around Diwali, wanted to change the battery just to be on the safer side. I am keeping my fingers crossed and hoping that the Bosch battery also lasts for at least 6 years.

[JVille07]

I replaced the OEM Exide battery of my Swift VXI after 3 years 10 months (39560 on Odo) with an Amaron FLO 42B20R for Rs. 3350/- (Battery MRP was Rs. 3870 and 520 for old batery). 24 months replacement or equivalent warranty and remaining 24 months prorata basis warranty. Purchased from a nearby battery shop in OMR-Chennai and they came to home and installed.

The OEM battery had no problems in cranking if I use it on a regular basis, In case I am not using for two days it will not start on next day morning.

MASS suggested a SF battery with 3850/- and 18 months warranty, no buyback of old battery.

[latentpotential]

Old m800 Battery - Approx 4 years in my hands (replacement date would be known by the buyer)

My Swift battery (Amaron) - Replaced within a few days of completing 3 Years. Got 800 INR for it, and went for a newer Amaron with 18+18 months warranty.

My Ertiga Battery - Hey, its still new!