spect2k Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 So being cold in the winter time, I notice that my car is less happy than usual starting in the morning. Using my multimeter at cold, the battery is reading 12.49 volts. From the research that I've done, I am getting to the point where I will need to replace it. My other 2 cars are reading 12.59 and 12.57. The question is, (1) is it worth replacing the battery preemptively, or (2) is it worth investing in a product like the [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-VEC1095ABD-Battery-Charger/dp/B000EJV5II/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2Q7QISVHJW4X8&colid=35QZ20DDSLF9W]Black & Decker VEC1095ABD[/ame] to charge the battery up again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spect2k Posted December 13, 2009 Author Share Posted December 13, 2009 Here are the two resources that I found in determining the necessary battery voltage: http://www.aa1car.com/library/battery_runs_down.htm http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080924211614AAbopRc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeFromPA Posted December 15, 2009 Share Posted December 15, 2009 You have an 08? Your battery is under warranty till 36k miles. No reason at all to get a new one or need to maintain it, even in CT. Should start up fine down to, say, 20 degrees, and maybe struggle a bit after that. Subaru isn't known for putting weak batteries in this line of cars...I'd expect you to get 5 years/60k miles of good service (at least) out of your battery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrozenNorthLGT Posted December 15, 2009 Share Posted December 15, 2009 A subaru battery that's bad, but isnt leaking? Not possible...lol . Bring it to the dealer and have them check the battery and the alternator. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spect2k Posted December 16, 2009 Author Share Posted December 16, 2009 I should have given more info. I run an amplifier off the battery as well, so that is somewhat draining I'd assume. Also, I have 45K on the car. Interesting that you say 20 degrees because thats been the temp when it sounds pretty unhappy. I was pretty surprised when I saw the voltage so low on the cold battery. I was under the same assumption as you guys - that it will/should last quite a bit longer. Seeing as the voltage is what it is though, is it worth a replacement or a charge from the kind of product as listed above, or maybe I'm overthinking what may be a normal occurrence... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
custom_junky Posted December 16, 2009 Share Posted December 16, 2009 in cold batteries will perform less...the volts will be lower than if they were warm. a little tip for weather starting. if your battery was good the day prior and no lights were on to drain it, but can't get enough CCA to start, try turning on the lights for a couple of minutes...this will help warm up the battery by running juice through it, then try and start the car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluesuby Posted December 16, 2009 Share Posted December 16, 2009 The general advice on batteries is 5 years then replace. If you let it run down until it dies, you will have the alternator working like hell to keep it charged, and it'll probably leave you stranded at the worst time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LosAngelesLGT Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 Unless you have motorcycles, atv, or some other use for a charger like that, I suggest you save the money and use it on a battery (unless yours is under warranty). I have a high end charger and I use it for my motorcycles but very, very rarely on a car battery (but it HAS happened). If you are Mr. Moneybags, yeah get a charger. If not, get a good battery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spect2k Posted December 19, 2009 Author Share Posted December 19, 2009 Mr. Moneybags I am not...I guess i'll avoid the battery charger. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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