My battery is dead

[zuberio]

Hey all,

My battery was already a bit weak on charge because I let it drain for a month while in another province. It still started (bearly) but was fine after my 20-25minute commute to and from work. And then someone (cough wife cough) left the roof light on for a few days (I take transit to work) the battery is completely dead.

My question, should I get a boost pack to jump start the car and then go on a trip, or get a trickle charger to bring the battery back to spec?

Thanks in advance!

EDIT - DOH! I posted this in cosmetic instead of DIY. Sorry Mr. Moderator(s)

[fnkngrv]

by the time it is said and done why not just pick up a new battery? as for the lighting if you haven't already gone LED you should look into it...LEDs of course take up a fraction of the power and in the end every little bit helps especially when the cough monster rears its ugly head.

[Lil Abner]

Any reputable car parts store should be able to test the battery. My dad owns two shops, and if a customer brings in a dead battery, he'll put it on his high-tech chargers, which would also test the battery. Then you'd know if the battery is still good, or totally shot.

[RedRide]

Even if the battery is bordeline and not completely shot, do you really want to depend on it for the comming BC winter?

[zuberio]

Thanks guys, my coworker just told me that the lifetime of a battery is usually ~5 years and after what I've done to it recently I probably destroyed the last year of life on it (battery came with the car in 2007).

I'm just gonna go to sears across the street from my apartment and get a new one.

What about recommendations for a portable booster pack if something like this happens again? Canadian Tire is having a Sale on Friday and they've got a 300A booster for $29.99.

[RedRide]

Yeah, about 5 years is average.

BTW, personally I would stay away from Sears as they tend to be a ripp-off with auto repairs and parts including batteries.
If there is an "Auto Zone" by you, check out their "duralast" batteries.
They are reported to be very good. They are made by a comany called "Johnson controls" ......... the same company that makes the "Optima" batteries and wiil be cheaper (and better) than going to Sears.

[Altitude]

Originally Posted by RedRide

BTW, personally I would stay away from Sears as they tend to be a ripp-off with auto repairs and parts including batteries.

I've had a Sears DieHard in my Jeep for at least 7 years and it's still going strong despite that it hasn't been used much at all since I've had the Yaris (and that was bought in 2008). So if the battery has held up that well with hardly any use the past 2 years then I'd say it's quite a deal.

I wouldn't take my car there for service, but buying batteries from Sears is one thing I've never had a problem with.

[RedRide]

^ ^ ^ ^
Yes, many have good luck with Sears batteries but, others do not. The quality seems to vary.

You do get a good warrenty with them, honered at any Sears but, you pay for it via a higher price.

[henrylee]

I have a optima yellow top on my other car and its been a champ for years..

[Red Horse]

get the 700A so you can use it on any car or truck

[zuberio]

Thanks guys, I ended up getting a motomaster eliminator from Canadian Tire instead. Turns out Sears Canada sold off their auto division years ago to a company called Active Green & Ross.