Battery Longervity and Diesel Brands

[kmagman]

Newbie TDI owner here. I have a '98 Golf TDI which I recently bought used with 47 k miles. So far I am thrilled with the car. The car appears to have the original battery...does anyone have an idea of the longevity of the original battery?

Also, are there any significant differences between the diesel quality of Shell, BP, Chevron, etc. I live near a major interstate, so truck stops are numerous.

Thanks for any info.

Ken

 

[volmaniac]

congrats on the tdi...

that is a great question. no tdi yet (i have to wait until dec 19, 3 pm cst), but we have a 2000 passat varient glx 4motion with 50k and the original (moll) battery and i am wondering the same thing....

 

[FowVay]

My battery has lasted 5 years and I'm in a mild climate. I'd bet that you're nearing time for a replacement if you truly are on the original. This winter will be the determining factor.

As for diesel fuel stations,, Chevron is my least favorite. My car just seems to run the roughest on Chevron diesel. Now that BP has merged with AMOCO I would choose them as my number 1 fuel, followed by Shell and lastly the Chevron. This is all based on the quality of fuel that I get in the metro Atlanta area. The fuel that is available in our area maybe be different.

Congratulations on your new diesel baby.

 

[DirtRoadTDI]

Based on my personal experience it seems to be a 5 year battery. As for the fuel, again based on personal experience, the stations volume seems to be more important that the brand. Stations that sell a lot dilute the contaminates more so they cause you fewer problems.

 

[TDIMeister]

I'm curious how you ended up with a `98 Golf TDI in the U.S. As far as I know, there were no VW Golf Diesels of any kind available during that model year, TDI or otherwise. Was this a swap?

Golfs appeared in with TDI engine only in `99 in the middle of that model year.

 

[paramedick]

Go buy a battery. Very soon before it becomes very cold.

 

[tdi369]

tdimeister: they do have tdi in 98. i have seen a jetta with a tdi badge in front of the grill and the back. they even have a passat diesel sedan and a wagon in 1997

 

[TDIMeister]

Yes, you are correct, but a `98 Golf TDI?

 

[lumberjackbob]

As far as I knew they didnt make the Golf in a TDI either, at least not in '98.

 

[tadc]

[ QUOTE ]
lumberjackbob said:
As far as I knew they didnt make the Golf in a TDI either, at least not in '98.

[/ QUOTE ]Not until 99.5.

 

[kmagman]

Sorry guys, my mistake....I have a '98 Volvo XC and '99 GOLF GL TDI (2door)...sorry for the confusion. Thanks for the feedback on the battery....I did a slow charge on it yesterday just to have it ready for cold weather and it seems to be in good health. We'll see the first morning that is 0 F. In any case, the Volvo does have a new battery and is AWD! I'm still amazed at the TDI's quality, even compared to the Volvo XC!

Ken

 

[ckbarcus]

Hess is 45 cetane here, My Golf runs fine on it, still
AMOCO/BP is my #1 choice. Beware some AMOCO stations
sell locally supplied diesel fuel not" power-blend"
Be sure to check the pump for the 47 cetane stamp.
Fuel treatment w/ an anti-gel is also a VERY good practice
no matter whose fuel you use.
Batterys Plus carries the size 94R -the exact fit or
search the site, lots of info on other batterys that will
fit.