Mass. Wine Guy
Top Post Dawg
- Joined
- May 21, 2001
- Location
- Ipswich, Massachusetts
- TDI
- 5-speed, 2015 Golf S 6-speed manual; 2015 Golf Sportwagen SEL 6-speed manual
Should I just get a new one?
Maybe.. When he tested your battery, was it with a digital tester or a carbon pile? I never trust digital testers.Should I just get a new one?
The "acid test" is to stick a voltmeter across the battery and crank. It should not go under 11V while cranking. If it does then the battery is likely toast OR the starter has a shorted winding or similar, and is drawing ridiculously-excessive current. If it does NOT then the wiring or starter is likely bad.Should I just get a new one?
I strongly recommend against that. A deep-cycle battery has fewer but thicker plates, and can be discharged more-deeply without (as much) damage. HOWEVER, the trade-off for this is a LOWER peak current delivery capacity -- which is exactly backwards if you want to start the car when its -20F outside!Before you get a dry cell battery, get a deep cycle battery. They have the same stated benefits without the charging difference.
Yes, for conventional batteries. They may be under a sticker or similar but they're present, and you both can and should check and if necessary top them off (with DISTILLED water only!) every few months. As with any flooded battery if the electrolyte level gets below the top of the plates the battery will be severely and permanently damaged.Am I right in thinking that even “sealed” batteries have caps where you add water?
There is no way I’m messing with a wire across the battery. I’d kill myself.
More correctly, an appropriately sized deep cycle would be difficult to fit in the original battery position and often requires relocation. This requires larger battery cables also.I strongly recommend against that. A deep-cycle battery has fewer but thicker plates, and can be discharged more-deeply without (as much) damage. HOWEVER, the trade-off for this is a LOWER peak current delivery capacity -- which is exactly backwards if you want to start the car when its -20F outside!
Yes, for conventional batteries. They may be under a sticker or similar but they're present, and you both can and should check and if necessary top them off (with DISTILLED water only!) every few months. As with any flooded battery if the electrolyte level gets below the top of the plates the battery will be severely and permanently damaged.
Sadly that may be true of any battery currently available.Four years of New England winters is a good run for any battery.
Unfortunately that's unlikely. Dealer batteries are no longer made by Varta, and Varta does not distribute their automotive batteries in North America.Darn! My next one will be a Varta