Do you I need a new battery?

[alfaspiderman2]

Sounds like a silly question, however, I'm planning to get rid of our ageing Freelander within next couple of months so don't want to fork out £85 unnecessairly.

The car struggles to start/doesn't start if left for more than a day or so. Clearly benefits from a long run and starts using jump leads.

I'm thinking a new battery should solve the problem but don't want to bother if it could be something else?

[Mr Gear]

"Do you I need a new battery?"

You're right, that IS a silly question

Serious answer is that you don't want to have a buyer look at a car that won't start. I'd hunt around for a cheap replacement battery. I can't believe you have to spend £85 to get one that will be up to the job? Maybe I am wrong here?

If you don't get the car running right, you'll be haggled down by more than £85 anyway, so it's a false economy not to get it sorted.

[DannyVTS]

Halfords will do a free battery/alternator test for you I believe.

Of course don't buy one from them, but it is fun using a big store for things like this, get one back for the little man

[king arthur]

DannyVTS said:

Halfords will do a free battery/alternator test for you I believe.

Of course don't buy one from them, but it is fun using a big store for things like this, get one back for the little man

Halfords batteries aren't too bad. They're a bit more than you could get online but not stupidly more.

[DannyVTS]

king arthur said:

DannyVTS said:

Halfords will do a free battery/alternator test for you I believe.

Of course don't buy one from them, but it is fun using a big store for things like this, get one back for the little man

Halfords batteries aren't too bad. They're a bit more than you could get online but not stupidly more.

Oh I take that back then, although my current car has a Halfords branded battery fitted and it has been troublesome.

[skilly1]

get one from here http://www.performancebatteries.co.uk/

Next day delivery

[alfaspiderman2]

given i'm planning to sell the car anyway and battery chargers are only £25ish, would it be a better idea to just get a charger?

[Superhoop]

Are you 100% certain this is being caused by a faulty battery?

These symptoms sound more like you have an exessive current draw on the battery

[A911DOM]

False economy I would say - do you not have a local scrappy that sells decent second hand batteries - at least you wont have the worry of the damn thing not working when you're trying to make the sale.

On the other hand, if you dont already have a battery conditioner, then they are able to 'repair' a poorly performing battery to a certain extent.

[toast boy]

alfaspiderman2 said:

given i'm planning to sell the car anyway and battery chargers are only £25ish, would it be a better idea to just get a charger?

It depends if the battery is knackered anyway. If it's on it's way out you can charge it till the cows come home and it won't necessarily improve things.

[alfaspiderman2]

If the car starts and runs happily for a few days then surely the battery isn't totally knackered?

Also, I plan on trading the car in so not really too worried about it not starting for a potential buyer.

[elanfan]

Get Halfrauds to check the battery for you - if they say battery is OK (which they won't cos' they'll want to sell you a new one!) then your problem lies elsewhere - first stop to check the main earths - give em a good clean up and cover with vaseline.

[Jesus TF Christ]

Have you checked the fluid levels of the battery?

[alfaspiderman2]

Nope.

I'm not in the custom of opening the bonnet let alone checking fluid levels, mains earths etc.

Sorry, not very PH when it comes to the oily stuff

Edited by alfaspiderman2 on Friday 7th January 12:49