Most suitable battery, mobile fitter?

[CROUCHY]

My '94 Chimaera's battery is 3 years old and for the first time today I had to try twice to start the engine. I think I'll get a new battery before it deteriorates further. What is the most appropriate battery to install these days?

Also, I have fitted a replacement in the past and managed to damage my back (which took 2 years to heal properly) so if there are any trustworthy mobile battery fitters out there (SE London) I would like to know please. Thanks.

[Mr Supercharged]

I have a Varta E24 630, 70Ah from memory. Are you using a trickle charger to keep it toped up if the car stands unused for any period of time? Its an easy enough job to do, just mark the position of the battery box on the floor with a permanent marker before you remove it. This helps line it up when you put it back. If you are struggling, bring it to gloucester and I'll fit it for you.

[Mr Supercharged]

I bet halfrauds will fit a battery for you!

[CROUCHY]

Yes, the trickle charger is on all the time. I just wonder whether the battery has had its day. Last time I remember the difficult problem was the bolts under the chassis. Thanks for your help.

[anonymous-user]

I recently had my battery replaced by the RAC, he did a battery check , sourced a new one and then fitted it in 3o mins although he was not too impressed to find metric, AF and whitworth nuts used....good service at £ 110 for battery.

[Sardonicus]

thedoc50 said:

I recently had my battery replaced by the RAC, he did a battery check , sourced a new one and then fitted it in 3o mins although he was not too impressed to find metric, AF and whitworth nuts used....good service at £ 110 for battery.

A 13mm spanner is all you need to change the battery on these cars so I am

[pac1uk]

I don't like to leave a battery on trickle charge all the time now. The battery seems to degrade much quicker, battery won't hold charge.

I now trickle charge every week If the alarm is set on the car or two weeks if the alarm not set. The period depends on the capacity of the battery and how fast the electrical things drain the battery e.g. Alarm, clock etc. What you don't want is a total flat battery and keep charging it back up with a battery charger this also ruins the battery.

I leave the trickle charger on for no more than a day usually less. Just until the Green light for my charger.

I use this method on 2 cars.

You can also get one of those mains timer switches to automate when the trickle charger turns on and off.

[Doc Toad]

pac1uk said:

You can also get one of those mains timer switches to automate when the trickle charger turns on and off.

Now thats a good idea - why didn't I think of that? Have the Accumate on 24hrs a day in winter, pointless really.