battery maintenance/lifespan?

[Kneale Brownson]

At 11:37 AM 08/24/2003 -0600, Benjamin Weste Pearre wrote:
>Hi all...
>
>Looks like my battery is dying.  It won't hold a charge overnight,
>even unplugged from the rest of the car.  Before I go poking around:
>
>* How long should batteries last in a 200?


Probably no set "life" span for batteries.  They all live under varying
environments that probably influence how long they survive.  I think the
current battery in my 200q20v is five years old.  It was in a 5ktq I bought
as a parts car for my 5ktq, but before I needed it for that car, I acquired
the 200 and found out with the first cold snap that it needed a battery.


>* Is there any maintenance to be done - filling with water
>   (distilled?) etc?


Most of today's batteries are "no maintenance" and lack the individual cell
plugs of yore, but generally, you can pry off sets of cell covers and add
water if needed.  I have an annual "battery day" where I go around with a
supply of distilled water and check the betteries in all our cars,
tractors, lawnmowers, etc.


>* Any recommendations on where I should go to buy one?  I assume
>   shipping charges on a battery make the dealer more useful?  Any
>   specific recommendations for Boulder, CO?


I've been buying batteries at Sam's Club for quite a few years
now.  They've had appropriate configurations and sizes for all my gear at
prices usually a bit cheaper than the battery stores.  For your 200, you
need to have the posts and size match the current battery.  Be sure the one
you pick has a vent that can be aligned with the vent tube in the car and a
cover over the positive post to prevent shorts in the event the rear seat
springs should contact the battery.