Battery dies after a few months

  1. Newbie Joined: Mar 2015 Posts: 15 Saxo mk2 VTR
    #1
    This is more of a general battery query than a Saxo problem.

    I have a 1.6 VTR and I only drive 1.3 miles to work and maybe the odd extra mile or two of a weekend.

    My problem is that my car is being drove enough to keep the battery topped up.

    My car has a newish battery and I've been using it for months with no problem and then last Saturday it just would start at all, not even a "chug", it was as if the battery had been removed.

    I don't have the option to just drive around more to keep it topped up. Is there anyway to help the battery from dying on me? I have a spare battery that I charge so I can swap them out if need be but I don't want to have to do that all the time.
  2. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Jan 2010 Stourbridge Posts: 7338 Nissan 200sx S14a
    #2
    Bit of a strange question really. You want to keep a battery charged without driving the car or charging it?

    No, take your pick lol. Either leave it on a trickle charge and fit it to the car when you want to use it or drive it regularly. You might want to check your alternator is providing enough charge when the car is running, but I don't think that's the issue here.
  3. Newbie Joined: Mar 2015 Posts: 15 Saxo mk2 VTR
    #3
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by holdawayt View Post
    Bit of a strange question really. You want to keep a battery charged without driving the car or charging it?

    No, take your pick lol. Either leave it on a trickle charge and fit it to the car when you want to use it or drive it regularly. You might want to check your alternator is providing enough charge when the car is running, but I don't think that's the issue here.
    Well, yes that kind of what I want lol. I know it's not possible to just expect the car to drive without driving it enough but thought there might be a better way. Most people suggest trickle garge but my car isnt in a garage overnight so I can't really do that
  4. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Mar 2003 United Kingdom (England) Posts: 7064
    #4
    Buy a new battery with a 3yr warrenty - if it starts to not hold a good charge then get it replaced!
  5. L-plater Joined: Feb 2015 Newport, Isle Of Wight Posts: 71 Saxo VTR Phase 2
    #5
    sounds like the alternator might be starting to fail to me.. so it might be worth running some tests on it to see what its doing.
  6. L-plater Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 58 Saxo 1.0 l
    #6
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Adsy View Post
    This is more of a general battery query than a Saxo problem.

    I have a 1.6 VTR and I only drive 1.3 miles to work and maybe the odd extra mile or two of a weekend.

    My problem is that my car is being drove enough to keep the battery topped up.

    My car has a newish battery and I've been using it for months with no problem and then last Saturday it just would start at all, not even a "chug", it was as if the battery had been removed.

    I don't have the option to just drive around more to keep it topped up. Is there anyway to help the battery from dying on me? I have a spare battery that I charge so I can swap them out if need be but I don't want to have to do that all the time.
    The stationary, off charge battery voltage should be 12.5 Volts. The engine running voltage should be 14.35 Volts when fully charged. If your problem concerns only starting and the battery voltage is correct and no lights problems or anything else occur the fault could be in the starter motor or the connections to it. If the battery voltage is low after a run the alternator comes under suspicion. If neither of these things maybe the alternator is overcharging (excessive battery voltage) and killing the battery.
  7. Frequent Poster Joined: Dec 2002 United Kingdom Posts: 700 Mk6 Golf GTD Saxo VTS Project Rally Car
    #7
    A friend of mine used one of these solar chargers that plugs in via the fag lighter, he swore by it.

    *edit* a bit like this http://www.care4car.com/12-volt-elec...g#.VSQylZOWaT9