Battery Life

[flyingjase]

Any idea how long a battery should stay charged for on a Chim?

I use my car every day and it's never missed a beat. Went on holidy for 2 1/2 weeks, came back, ignition lights lit up but not enough charge to turn the starter motor.

Had to jump start it off the Mrs' Suzy Swift. Gave me a good excuse to go for a long drive drive though!! No problems since.

Is this normal or do I need a new battery??

[parrot of doom]

When was it last charged, and check the cells aren't dry.

[flyingjase]

Not sure when it was last changed as it was in the car when I bought it, but will check the cells tomorrow (woops schoolboy error - should have checked that when I was jumping it!!) Although never had any problems before.

[PeterC]

With alarm running the battery should last just over two weeks. This is to cover the usual holiday with car parked in long-stay car park. This is what the factory once told me.

However, you can anticipate problems with your car/battery having let the battery discharge to such a low level. You will either have problems holding charge and come winter you will struggle to start the car. Or the plates in the battery will collapse suddenly and leave you stranded somewhere.

[Russ_Chim]

I'd recommend buying a solar powered battery charger if, like me, your chim is not garaged and therefore can't use a mains trickle charger.

I went off travelling for 5 weeks recently and when I came back the car fired up first time despite having an alarm and tracker draining the battery.

Maplins sell them for about £25, although I got mine in the sale for £15.

One tip though, don't leave it on top of the dashboard otherwise some little s**t will do £100 worth of damage to steal something he probably doesn't know what it is.

[zumbruk]

Once the battery has been run completely flat, they're not much use after that - you may as well replace it, since it will not hold significant charge thereafter.