Re: Batteries

[tnas@dtpdirect.nl (Tom Nas, DTP Direct bv)]

>Audi fans:
>
>The battery on my '90V8Q decided to go south this weekend.  It was very
>sudden.  One minute the cars started OK, then it just made the starter
>solenoid clatter.   (snip)
>Question: Do the stock batteries die like that and does anyone else have
>experience with Interstate?
>
In my experience, when batteries go, they regularly go in an instant, like
you described. I've had several go south like that, either OE or
aftermarket, and I've a sneaking suspicion that modern batteries croak more
often, especially the 'sealed' type. The last time a battery went south by
gradually refusing to charge was some time ago, and a mechanic confirmed my
remark that 'shorting out' of batteries seems to be a regular occurence. My
experience: VW OE battery went out after 1.5 yr, same after 2 yrs, Kwik-Fit
own brand battery after 3 yrs, Opel/AC Delco took 5 yrs, Varta took 3 yrs,
and my 8-yr old Audi still has its original battery (in fine condition,
knock on wood). *All but one* of these battery failures were of the
'sudden' type.

They don't make 'em like they used to?

Tom
1988 80 1.8S FWD

PS A new heavy-duty Varta battery for my car would cost about $60 here.

PPS Saw a German-registered black RS2 Avant this morning. Err... I just
about had the time to identify it as such- it was doing about 200 km/h (125
mph) by my guess... even the Porsche wheels were black. Great and
mean-looking car! I gave up getting close to it after about 1 minute- it
was way too quick!

 _______________________________________________________________________
   Tom W. Nas, graphic design                        tnas@dtpdirect.nl
   DTP Direct bv                              Voice +31 (55) 5 790 799
   Apeldoorn, the Netherlands                   Fax +31 (55) 5 790 125

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