What is the BRs advice on car batteries.
I have an 06 Focus with the original Ford battery. So out of warranty and coming up to 4 years old. My experience with Fords is that their batteries in the past don't last long, and I've usually had to replace everyone.
Would you change it before it gives up the ghost, or wait until it dies?
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Wait until it dies, why replace something that is still is full working order? With careful and consistent use it could easily last for as long again.
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Would you change it before it gives up the ghost or wait until it dies?
If it's a concern, why not get a test done on it. Most, if not all places will test it for nothing.
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My experience with Fords is that their batteries in the past don't last long and I've usually had to replace everyone.
None of my cars Vauxhall batteries (Delco) have failed before 12 years.
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I usually wait until they die. But sure enough its during the winter, fiddling around in the cold, without a car, or awaiting a breakdown service for a jump and when the stockists usually have run out. So I thought I might jump before being pushed. Though the suggestion about getting it tested might be more cost effective.
If I let the battery go to the last will that not affect the alternator in anyway?
As for the 12 year old Delcos. Thats impressive. I have not owned a Ford that hasn't needed a battery within 5 years from new. And the odd alternator in and out of warranty.
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>>If I let the battery go to the last will that not affect the alternator in anyway?
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The alternator might affect the new battery if you do not get the correct one.
IIRC a Calcium Silver type is required not the standard old type battery.
Maybe search out a source earlier than later.
I had problems finding one and I finished up paying top rate for the correct battery.
www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=30167
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Henry, cheers.
I've seen the Bosch Silver at Halfords 79.99, I presume you refer to this?
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Having read other threads today on Focuses with electrical problems from regular bulb blowing to locking problems and other related issues, it appears Ford have issues with their electrics somewhere along the line.
Compared to other makes, am I right?
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>>I've seen the Bosch Silver at Halfords 79.99, I presume you refer to this?
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That is the right sort of price. I paid £100 for a larger battery for my Mondeo at a Ford Dealers.
During my search, I was offered a battery from a tyre fitting chain for £45 ish. I replied that I did not like the price. I surprised the lass by saying it was far far too cheap so no thanks :-)
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My Focus 1.8 petrol 1999 model that I bought in the summer still had its original battery (date code on the negative terminal). It died in August on the way back from holiday, I had to get a jump start, but made it back home OK.
I originally bought a lead acid battery, but then found out that these cars require a silver calcium battery so took the lead one back and bought a Ford one for £90. Everything is fine now. Just don't get talked into buying an ordinary lead one because the assistant at the car shop says 'I've sold hundreds of these to Ford owners', you will have problems if you do this.
Have your battery specific gravity tested, you may find that the cell nearest the positive terminal is lower than the rest, if this is the case you may as well buy a new battery and save hassle when it does finally fail at an inconvienent moment.
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Modern charging systems-those using "smart" alternators must use "calcium" batteries.Calcium batteries can be used with any sort of charging systems,even three brush dynamos.My Escort Diesel has just had it's battery replaced at 9 1/2 years-it hadn't failed but was definitely cranking more slowly and,as I was going on a long continental journey in it,changed it just in case.This car is not used regularly;goes out about every three weeks but never on short journeys.The one removed was a sealed unit(as is the new one),so it was never checked in all that time.Never had any bulbs replaced,no electrical problems and the A/C still works!!
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