Alternators have been standard on cars for 20 or so years and IIRC 'sealed for life batteries' nearly as long.
Even after their introduction it seemed that a replacement battery was required every 3 or 4 years. However over the last decade it would appear that they have improved their longevity considerably. I did a straw poll amongst friends and nobody has had to replace a duff battery recently; some cars over 8 years old still have their original batteries fitted.
As far as I am aware battery technology has not changed so why the dramatic improvement in reliability? Or has reliability not improved?
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My last brand new battery died a sudden and tragic death after just 30 months (and I 'look after' my batteries)
Fortunately, it had a 36 month guarantee....
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I replaced the battery on my old Nissan when it was seven years old... just as a precaution when I managed to source a cheap one.
My current BMW is 13 years old, and as far as I know on its first battery. It claims it needs replacing (there's a little warning light thingy) but the car always starts fine. Sometimes it struggles to close a couple of windows and the sunroof at the same time. Probably I ought to think about replacing it.
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Recently installed a new battery for a friend. It was for a 1990 Mercedes and had the original battery (date coded late '89).
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Perhaps it's where I live but I seldom get more than 4 years out of a battery. One day it's fine, next morning you stick the key in and get that dreaded churning-cum-ticking noise.....My bike though is coming up to its 5th with the aid of a battery tender.
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Three years two months on a brand new Skoda Fabia tdi
Replacement from my local VW/Skoda dealer £97
Not a happy bunny !!!!!!!!!
Roger in Spain
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I always replace the battery at four and a half years (with a Halfords one). I reckon it is not worth the risk to try squeezing any more out of one. But that's me.
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