Singapore Nissan Owners Group

Nissan Car Lounge - Almera, Juke, Latio, Qashqai, Sylphy, Teana Owners => Latio => Topic started by: totallypatrick on May 24, 2009, 08:53:51 PM

Title: Do I need to change car battery if my battery is still working fine after 2 yrs?
Post by: totallypatrick on May 24, 2009, 08:53:51 PM
Hi, my friend says its advisible to change battery if it is 2yrs old even if its ok. Mine is the default battery that came with the car when I first bought it and it is 2 yrs old already. My car still starts without any problem in the morning. Reason for asking is I may be going in to Malaysia so pretty troublesome if battery fails halfway.
Title: Re: Do I need to change car battery if my battery is still working fine after 2 yrs?
Post by: NSman on May 24, 2009, 09:17:37 PM
Yes, is advisable to change it ard 2 yrs, you never knows, it might just die without any symptom.. better dun try your luck.

anyway, car will not die when traveling, but it might not be starts again after your 1st stop.
Title: Re: Do I need to change car battery if my battery is still working fine after 2 yrs?
Post by: Ender on May 24, 2009, 10:23:18 PM
That is why I bought a jump start kit specially for my long trip to malaysia.. Carreforre got sell,
Title: Re: Do I need to change car battery if my battery is still working fine after 2 yrs?
Post by: clarence on May 25, 2009, 02:54:08 AM
You can send your car to any battery shop or workshop to check your battery amp.

If reading is fine, no need to change. You can  carry a jump start cable with you just in case.

But of course, you can change your battery if you want peace of mind.

My record was 3 years for  a maintenance free Amaron brand battery.
Title: Re: Do I need to change car battery if my battery is still working fine after 2 yrs?
Post by: totallypatrick on May 25, 2009, 07:44:41 AM
I saw the portable jump start selling in other forums for $138 but that is the price of a new battery. Might as well change to a new battery or its more beneficial to carry a jump start along? As for those maintenance battery, does it die all of a sudden or give signs like difficulties in starting before it goes dead? I've a volt meter in my car and it still shows 13+ to 14 when engine is running.
Title: Re: Do I need to change car battery if my battery is still working fine after 2 yrs?
Post by: Ender on May 25, 2009, 08:42:17 AM
I saw the portable jump start selling in other forums for $138 but that is the price of a new battery. Might as well change to a new battery or its more beneficial to carry a jump start along? As for those maintenance battery, does it die all of a sudden or give signs like difficulties in starting before it goes dead? I've a volt meter in my car and it still shows 13+ to 14 when engine is running.

Carrefour selling about $69. If you use POSB everyday card still got 5% rebate. It also comes with a tyre pump too. With jump start kit, at least I can squeeze the battery till the last juice than jump start to go nearest workshop.

As for your mentioned of MF battery, I also scared as it gives no warning, all the more should have a jump start kit in foreign land. Don't want to get caught  in malaysia with 'friendly' tow truck out of nowhere to bring you to their black shop. Also useful to pump flat tyre.

Anyway I'm in the same situation as you, my stock battery already passed 2 years, and still going strong. I never top up water either, maybe TC topped for me during servicing. Intend to use till the last drop than changed at outside workshop..
Title: Re: Do I need to change car battery if my battery is still working fine after 2 yrs?
Post by: totallypatrick on May 25, 2009, 08:48:24 AM
Oh $69 bucks is reasonable. This can jump start the car by itself right. What is it powered by?
Title: Re: Do I need to change car battery if my battery is still working fine after 2 yrs?
Post by: Ender on May 25, 2009, 09:02:21 AM
Oh $69 bucks is reasonable. This can jump start the car by itself right. What is it powered by?

Rechargeable battery I guessed, coz you need to charge it using AC plug prior to use..  Oh, this gives us another dilema.. How often do we change the jump start kit battery???
Title: Re: Do I need to change car battery if my battery is still working fine after 2 yrs?
Post by: nymin9 on May 25, 2009, 11:36:48 AM
if i don't remember wrongly if u change at TC at 2 yrs got 50% off. I got mine changed at 2 yrs though everything was ok. the 50% deal just makes it sweeter
Title: Re: Do I need to change car battery if my battery is still working fine after 2 yrs?
Post by: pchmj on May 25, 2009, 09:36:33 PM
If want to save money just buy those cables with crocodile clips, sometime given free. Connect your battery to other car's battery and jumpstart yours.

If really unlucky need to use in malaysia, find those harmless looking drivers, if can find SG car best or those travelling with family.
Title: Re: Do I need to change car battery if my battery is still working fine after 2 yrs?
Post by: lyh1280 on May 26, 2009, 10:04:13 AM
I Hv changed mine 3 times, 1st time under warranty fr TC, 2nd time changed by TC towtruck at special price, 3rd time luckily oso under warranty (as 2nd batt not yet 1 yr). Anyway, all 3 times noticed hard cranking when starting the car, took longer time than usual.. and pls DONT DOUBT this symptom/ problem, change immediately while u still can start/drive the car to any shop to change when u notice this before it dies on u.. :) My 2nd time was I keep on delaying for 2 - 3 days until it died.. hehe..
Title: Re: Do I need to change car battery if my battery is still working fine after 2 yrs?
Post by: totallypatrick on May 26, 2009, 11:13:41 AM
I Hv changed mine 3 times, 1st time under warranty fr TC, 2nd time changed by TC towtruck at special price, 3rd time luckily oso under warranty (as 2nd batt not yet 1 yr). Anyway, all 3 times noticed hard cranking when starting the car, took longer time than usual.. and pls DONT DOUBT this symptom/ problem, change immediately while u still can start/drive the car to any shop to change when u notice this before it dies on u.. :) My 2nd time was I keep on delaying for 2 - 3 days until it died.. hehe..

OK as long as experience hard cranking got to change..
Title: Re: Do I need to change car battery if my battery is still working fine after 2 yrs?
Post by: mindman on May 26, 2009, 01:23:48 PM
Hi, my friend says its advisible to change battery if it is 2yrs old even if its ok. Mine is the default battery that came with the car when I first bought it and it is 2 yrs old already. My car still starts without any problem in the morning. Reason for asking is I may be going in to Malaysia so pretty troublesome if battery fails halfway.

Best to check your battery first. May not need to change.
cheers
Title: Re: Do I need to change car battery if my battery is still working fine after 2 yrs?
Post by: Carmodz on May 28, 2009, 07:45:40 PM
Best to check your battery first. May not need to change.
cheers


yup. do check and see whether the voltage or amperage is weak when the engine is off.
Title: Re: Do I need to change car battery if my battery is still working fine after 2 yrs?
Post by: link2563 on May 29, 2009, 08:00:25 AM
My Latio unable to start twice in less than 3 years time. Each time was caused by battery sudden defective, they all original batteries from TCM. So, on my Latio records, the battery did not last 18 months. Next time, I will proactive change the battery before 18 months.
Anyway when the battery fail, you still have to change with loss of time and get extra stress!
Title: Re: Do I need to change car battery if my battery is still working fine after 2 yrs?
Post by: nxgadgets on May 29, 2009, 09:13:08 AM
Hi Bro,

Recommend you the battery bug which I am selling. :)

http://forum.thelatioclub.org/index.php?topic=8407.msg151834#msg151834

Do read through the technical specs to understand the pros of this award winning product.

Thanks
Title: Re: Do I need to change car battery if my battery is still working fine after 2 yrs?
Post by: spyder_696 on June 02, 2009, 10:13:40 AM
If want to save money just buy those cables with crocodile clips, sometime given free. Connect your battery to other car's battery and jumpstart yours.

If really unlucky need to use in malaysia, find those harmless looking drivers, if can find SG car best or those travelling with family.

it is very hard to jump start a latio battery... till date after 3 attempts, i never succeed... i think u need super thick jump start cable... not the thin ones that i have... if at NSHW, i dnt think it is good idea or got chance to jump start our car, unless u have super long jumpstart cable... otherwise both car will be facing front... cable sure not long enough...
Title: Re: Do I need to change car battery if my battery is still working fine after 2 yrs?
Post by: hwlee on June 02, 2009, 11:11:18 AM
it is very hard to jump start a latio battery... till date after 3 attempts, i never succeed... i think u need super thick jump start cable... not the thin ones that i have... if at NSHW, i dnt think it is good idea or got chance to jump start our car, unless u have super long jumpstart cable... otherwise both car will be facing front... cable sure not long enough...

Use only super thick jump start cable (Should make yourself). Don't buy those from hypermarket as they all selling thin cable only. If using super thick jump start cable, normally 1 times..success.  :bleh:
Title: Re: Do I need to change car battery if my battery is still working fine after 2 yrs?
Post by: spyder_696 on June 02, 2009, 05:04:06 PM
Hi, my friend says its advisible to change battery if it is 2yrs old even if its ok. Mine is the default battery that came with the car when I first bought it and it is 2 yrs old already. My car still starts without any problem in the morning. Reason for asking is I may be going in to Malaysia so pretty troublesome if battery fails halfway.

wa, u so lucky ah... my friend 4yrs old latio 1 yr change 1 batt... mine 1.5yrs old one yet to change "touch wood"... i also worries whenever i travel to malaysia... but there is nothing i can do.. at least they got give me an emergency no to call... lol...
Title: Re: Do I need to change car battery if my battery is still working fine after 2 yrs?
Post by: arias48 on June 03, 2009, 10:46:43 AM
Hi Bro,

Recommend you the battery bug which I am selling. :)

http://forum.thelatioclub.org/index.php?topic=8407.msg151834#msg151834

Do read through the technical specs to understand the pros of this award winning product.

Thanks


Any bro using this? What is the feedback?
Title: Re: Do I need to change car battery if my battery is still working fine after 2 yrs?
Post by: hammer99 on June 03, 2009, 11:02:21 AM
I saw the portable jump start selling in other forums for $138 but that is the price of a new battery. Might as well change to a new battery or its more beneficial to carry a jump start along? As for those maintenance battery, does it die all of a sudden or give signs like difficulties in starting before it goes dead? I've a volt meter in my car and it still shows 13+ to 14 when engine is running.

Correct me if I'm wrong, a flat battery when measure the voltmeter (between +ve and -ve) still shows readings between +12 to +16V. It is the ampere (current) that matters right ??
Title: Re: Do I need to change car battery if my battery is still working fine after 2 yrs?
Post by: spyder_696 on June 03, 2009, 11:08:46 AM
Correct me if I'm wrong, a flat battery when measure the voltmeter (between +ve and -ve) still shows readings between +12 to +16V. It is the ampere (current) that matters right ??

yup, its the amp that drives the battery... but low voltage also equal low amp right... i return all to teacher le... hee...
Title: Re: Do I need to change car battery if my battery is still working fine after 2 yrs?
Post by: nxgadgets on June 04, 2009, 09:08:40 AM
Correct me if I'm wrong, a flat battery when measure the voltmeter (between +ve and -ve) still shows readings between +12 to +16V. It is the ampere (current) that matters right ??

The term "flat battery" usually means low voltage. Meaning voltmeter reads 11+ volts then mechanic usually will tell you battery flat, need to change.

Low volt on battery means it is "flat", but does not mean the battery needs to be changed. Sometimes just get the mechanic to change it for you and it can still be used. For eg, if you go overseas for 2~3 weeks, the battery may go flat as there is no charging for that period.

The critical thing is cranking ability of the battery. A battery with normal readings on the voltmeter does not necessarily mean it can provide the ampere to crank the engine. That's why a lot of us get stranded in the carpark. The battery volt reading is normal but we just can't crank the engine.

The Battery Bug monitors the cranking ability in terms of %. When it detects that the cranking ability falls below 10%, it will sound an alarm after you turn off the engine. This prevents you from driving the car around with an alarm ringing all the way.

When the alarm goes off, you can still continue driving for a few weeks but would need to start looking for the best deal to replace your battery as soon as possible as the battery would not be able to crank your engine soon.

You can read more by downloading this brochure below.
http://www.argusanalyzers.com/fileadmin/user_upload/support/monitors/Literature/BatteryBug_brochure.pdf
Title: Re: Do I need to change car battery if my battery is still working fine after 2 yrs?
Post by: totallypatrick on June 07, 2009, 07:58:36 AM
The term "flat battery" usually means low voltage. Meaning voltmeter reads 11+ volts then mechanic usually will tell you battery flat, need to change.

Low volt on battery means it is "flat", but does not mean the battery needs to be changed. Sometimes just get the mechanic to change it for you and it can still be used. For eg, if you go overseas for 2~3 weeks, the battery may go flat as there is no charging for that period.

The critical thing is cranking ability of the battery. A battery with normal readings on the voltmeter does not necessarily mean it can provide the ampere to crank the engine. That's why a lot of us get stranded in the carpark. The battery volt reading is normal but we just can't crank the engine.

The Battery Bug monitors the cranking ability in terms of %. When it detects that the cranking ability falls below 10%, it will sound an alarm after you turn off the engine. This prevents you from driving the car around with an alarm ringing all the way.

When the alarm goes off, you can still continue driving for a few weeks but would need to start looking for the best deal to replace your battery as soon as possible as the battery would not be able to crank your engine soon.

You can read more by downloading this brochure below.
http://www.argusanalyzers.com/fileadmin/user_upload/support/monitors/Literature/BatteryBug_brochure.pdf

Thanx for the detailed explaination. What is a recommended MF battery ? Amaron, Panasonic?
Title: Re: Do I need to change car battery if my battery is still working fine after 2 yrs?
Post by: nxgadgets on June 08, 2009, 08:55:41 AM
From what I heard from my customers, their experience with MF batteries wasn't very good. Most commonly, they found that MF batteries would fail suddenly. Some did not even last 6 months. That's based on their feedback, not my experience though.
Title: Re: Do I need to change car battery if my battery is still working fine after 2 yrs?
Post by: lyh1280 on July 09, 2009, 01:08:31 PM
I Hv changed mine 3 times, 1st time under warranty fr TC, 2nd time changed by TC towtruck at special price, 3rd time luckily oso under warranty (as 2nd batt not yet 1 yr). Anyway, all 3 times noticed hard cranking when starting the car, took longer time than usual.. and pls DONT DOUBT this symptom/ problem, change immediately while u still can start/drive the car to any shop to change when u notice this before it dies on u.. :) My 2nd time was I keep on delaying for 2 - 3 days until it died.. hehe..

Hello all,
Changed mine for the 4th time during my servicing on Tues, oso ~11mth old, got it FOC after argue with TC tat batt cannot last me >1 yr.. The SE initially said Batt warranty is 1 yr, OR 20K mileage.. err.. anybody knows standard Batt life warranty tie-up to mileage oso?

don know about the batt problem tis time (mng ctart-up/cranking all ok), drove in as usual to TC ubi, they immediately tested the Batt (they do this after u parked ur car), and report came out and said mine no good le, need to change. Now i hv new Maintenance Free Batt again, c how long tis 1 can last.. :)

Title: Re: Do I need to change car battery if my battery is still working fine after 2 yrs?
Post by: leolooi on July 09, 2009, 01:46:16 PM
ya bro i just encounter this on my friend recently...she had her batt changed last year...with having sligthly above 20k and one year few mths...the batt went dead again.....had no choice but to call in and help to change but not as lucky cos they still charge her for the batt despite complaining and arguing..... :glare: not sure is it better to change into dry cell..... :glare:
Title: Re: Do I need to change car battery if my battery is still working fine after 2 yrs?
Post by: Ender on July 09, 2009, 01:59:07 PM
Hello all,
Changed mine for the 4th time during my servicing on Tues, oso ~11mth old, got it FOC after argue with TC tat batt cannot last me >1 yr.. The SE initially said Batt warranty is 1 yr, OR 20K mileage.. err.. anybody knows standard Batt life warranty tie-up to mileage oso?

don know about the batt problem tis time (mng ctart-up/cranking all ok), drove in as usual to TC ubi, they immediately tested the Batt (they do this after u parked ur car), and report came out and said mine no good le, need to change. Now i hv new Maintenance Free Batt again, c how long tis 1 can last.. :)



Seem like your all your battery can't last more than a year. Could it be something about your car that's draining the battery? Sometimes a faulty wiring that short to ground, can cause leakage. Do you have any mod on your ride?

FYI, my stock battery lasted 2 1/2 years, so don't think TCM battery is that bad.
Title: Re: Do I need to change car battery if my battery is still working fine after 2 yrs?
Post by: vortex on July 09, 2009, 02:57:04 PM
Mine is also with the stock battery for 2.5 years already. Hearing all the feedback, will probably change it for my next servicing at TC. How much do they charge if the car is still under the warrently period ?

For bros with frequent battery failures, do you have lots of ICE installations. I'm not sure if it shorten the battery's life span. You may need to upsize the battery. I also make it a practice to switch off the aircon before turning off the engine.
Title: Re: Do I need to change car battery if my battery is still working fine after 2 yrs?
Post by: Zippy on July 09, 2009, 03:21:05 PM
Mine is also with the stock battery for 2.5 years already. Hearing all the feedback, will probably change it for my next servicing at TC. How much do they charge if the car is still under the warrently period ?

If your batt under 1yr old, it's free. If your batt under 2yrs old, u pay 50%. If your batt under 3yrs old u pay 75%. Something like that...
Title: Re: Do I need to change car battery if my battery is still working fine after 2 yrs?
Post by: vortex on July 09, 2009, 03:33:27 PM
If your batt under 1yr old, it's free. If your batt under 2yrs old, u pay 50%. If your batt under 3yrs old u pay 75%. Something like that...

Thanks bro. U know what is the price before discount? How much does one cause outside ? Will get from outside if TC still more exp after the 75% discount.
Title: Re: Do I need to change car battery if my battery is still working fine after 2 yrs?
Post by: space2638 on July 11, 2009, 09:38:04 PM
it is very hard to jump start a latio battery... till date after 3 attempts, i never succeed... i think u need super thick jump start cable... not the thin ones that i have... if at NSHW, i dnt think it is good idea or got chance to jump start our car, unless u have super long jumpstart cable... otherwise both car will be facing front... cable sure not long enough...

Bro.. how u connect the battery? U shldn't connect battery to battery for both cables leh... It should be the battery postive to positive, and while u connect negative from the host's battery, the negative terminal shld be to the suspension mounting lug nut..(i.e. shld be the same as grounding tt type). not sure if that's the correct term

I using lousy ******** cables very thin one time can start le..haha.. Host car rev to 2.5krpm can liao... (Host car is a Mit Lancer 1.6 GLX)
Title: Re: Do I need to change car battery if my battery is still working fine after 2 yrs?
Post by: space2638 on July 11, 2009, 09:44:19 PM
Forgot to mention that my battery died cos I was doing DIY soundproofing to my car doors and boot area.. left audio on to 'enjoy' music. hahaha.. didn't know time passed so quickly.
3 hours later, the battery was dead. but after jumpstarting and running it for 20 minutes the battery is back to normal.
I drive 90% hway so maybe that explains why my battery is so healthy. Got link right? cos at high speed (110km/h) the alternator is spinning faster so the charge is better.
Whereas the Amaron Maintenance Free batt on my dad's car does only 8km per day and it can't last more than 1.5years. My stock Latio battery is turning 2.5years old in August and only 3 Cranks to start.
Title: Re: Do I need to change car battery if my battery is still working fine after 2 yrs?
Post by: pizzaboy on July 12, 2009, 01:04:50 PM
Fiamm from italy is gd!
Can last more than 3 yrs and voltage readin still strong at 14.2V
Title: Re: Do I need to change car battery if my battery is still working fine after 2 yrs?
Post by: jliow on July 13, 2009, 09:49:30 AM
Fiamm from italy is gd!
Can last more than 3 yrs and voltage readin still strong at 14.2V

How much is Fiamm, how is Fiamm compared with Varta?

What battery specs should we be looking at, I mean..like tyres, we've got 195/60/R15, not sure if any for batt.

Thanks
Title: Re: Do I need to change car battery if my battery is still working fine after 2 yrs?
Post by: Goontat on July 14, 2009, 02:56:42 PM
Need to change battery 2yrs+ - TCM ubi quoted less 25% . The brand INDIGO from Korea, any bro and sis use this brand? It is ok...coz going there 2moro already Thanks! :confused1:
Title: Re: Do I need to change car battery if my battery is still working fine after 2 yrs?
Post by: artmachinesg on July 20, 2009, 11:36:13 PM
Goontat: I'm going for 30k servicing tml as well. Ubi Service Centre?