Let down for the first time

[Fatrat]

Its been nearly a year of uneventfull (apart from the smile factor) ownership of the S1 and I suppose it had to happen eventually but the car finally let me down. A flat battery after being left for a couple of weeks. This will be the only money I have spent on the car (apart from upgrades so they don't count as I tell the wife!).

I have jump started but the battery is on the way out, so what make do the PH experts think I should replace it with?

[missdiane]

Ours has gone in the past twice the first time after being left for a month unused, the second time left for two weeks, we now use a trickle charger, had no problems since then- is battery beyond saving?

[shangani]

When my battery died, I got a new one from the local motor factor for £22 (mine failed on a trackday at Silverstone, so I didn't have much option but to go to the nearest place for a replacement). Some no-name brand that is still going strong 3 1/2 years later, which is longer than the first one lasted.

[TIPPER]

I just picked one up from Halfords (Sunday morning thing!).

[Sambam]

Funny enough the exact same thing happened to me 2 weeks ago. I think it was probably on it's original battery, completely discharged with no chance of recovery.

I went to a local place that literally just sells batteries and got something like this http://www.varta-automotive.com/index.php?id=98 although I can't remember exactly which one though. I do know that if it's an S1 you have, then be prepared for some hard work and a few grazes. A second pair of hands is almost essential to get it out of the vehicle.

[jondude]

Halfords sell decent batteries for around £50 or so.

Think it is 063??? You can get the basic 3 year guaranteed one, or a 4/5 year heavy duty.

The basic one fits well and has a handle which is ESSENTIAL!!! You will get the old battery out and the new one in eventually, but at times you will think you are in nightmare as it just does not seem to be small enough to get out.

Having said that, getting it in (I am talking about the battery...) is bloody hard, too. Needs lots of patience and care.

Well, I think I am talking about the battery......

[Gad-Westy]

Mine dies as well the other week. One minute it was fine the next the little bugger wouldn't start again. I got mine from Halfords as well. Just the 3 year cheaper one.

Getting the old battery out was a bugger, no two ways about it. You'll need to remove a few bits and bobs like the wiper motor cover. Wear gloves or your hands will be a mess when you've finished! Oh and you may need to stick some rubber to the battery clamp as it won't hold the new battery properly.

[LivinLaVidaLotus]

Costco do Bosch Silver ones (handle deep cycle better), which has a higher power rating than the Halfords one from memory and costs the same price. So if you've got a Costco near and a card/friend with a card, worth a visit.

[MJK 24]

This might be a slightly odd post but if you go to your local VW dealer who's a TPS (Trade Parts Sales), they'll sell you the correct 063 battery for £26 incl a 3 year warranty. That's for a Quantum (VW own brand). Varta would be £33 but still only a 3 year warranty.

I don't know your exact location, but there's one in Brighton.

Prices correct as of 1 May - current catalogue arrived this morning.

[Philygumbo]

Battery going flat when left is quite common, the alarm drains it.
Once gone flat most modern batteries are NFG. Halfords have trickle chargers for not too many quids, very worth getting.