Which Battery?

[wrightj100]

I have a griff 500 for 5yrs and have got on o.k. with the HB072 battery (590 / 130) - basically due to keeping car locked in a garage, without the alarm on and giving it a run regularly. Occasionally had to jump start after long periods, and re-newed battery a couple of times.

firstly, can be really thrustration that it doesn't hold it's charge very well....does anyone know why this is and if anyhting can be done to help?

Secondly, I have just sold the griff to the Brother in law, who can't keep it garaged at the moment so alarm always on and driven infrequently - with regular starting problems due loss charge / requiring regular jump starts.
I am putting a new battery in - are there any that are proven to be better than the Halfords HB072?

The others available at my local Halfords are;

HCB075 (calcium)- 620 Amp / 110 - are these Calcium batterys really better, and will the lower Voltage of 110 be o.k.?

HB096 - 650 / 130
HCB096 (calcium)- 700 / 130.........these 2 096's are slightly larger so need to check whether will fit in the box. Would the 700 Amp be o.k.?

Basically, what is the ideal battery?

Thanks

Julian

[BIG DUNC]

I don't know whether Calcium are better or not, but I am sure an expert will be along in a minute.
The numbers you are quoting are cranking amps, and amp hours. The voltage will be 12. Basicaly you want the biggest capacity that will physical fit in. If the 700 battery will fit, then that is the one.
Also, the new owner may want to invest in a solar powered battery charger that plugs into the cig lighter when the car is not being used. These are not ( normaly ) powerful enough to charge a flat battery, but will keep a good battery topped up, or at least slow down the rate at which it discharges.
The only trouble is, it may mean you cannot use a car cover.

[spend]

The normal 096 has the terminals the wrong way round. Proper battery suppliers will have an 096 reverse which has the terminals the right way round and fits well in the std battery box.

Dave

[wrightj100]

Thanks for that.
Do you know what impact it might have if the second figure quoted is lower? ie 110 instead of 130. Am I correct in assuming the higher figure is the most improtant when it comes to starting the car aftr a period of no use?

[wrightj100]

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