Should I perform a preemptive battery change?

My factory battery died 2 years to the day I brought the truck home and, like many would agree, with zero warning it was going. Super inconvenient.

 

The battery on my 2011 died in about two years as well with no warning or hesitation on cranking. Luckily I was at a park that is a mile away from the house and just went home to get one of those portable jump starter that was in another vehicle. Took it to the dealer the next day and the battery was covered under the 3yr/36k warranty. Dealer said the battery did not pass the load test.

 

You really got your money's worth from that battery, any word from your neighbor how much life he got from your battery? I didn't know Auto-Zone batteries lasted so long and wonder how their CCA are, being in a colder climate here.

 

Same story here. Except I happened to be in my garage when she croaked and was able to jump it, wouldn't take a charge after about an hour of driving around and still played dead. Dealer covered it under a bad cell with super low cold-crank output.

 

Some of the batteries I've had and liked are Sears Die-Hard/Platinum, Interstate, and Exide.

 

At least you weren't stranded somewhere, but a battery only lasting 2 years is inconvenient wherever it happens to die.

 

I wheel a lot, it gets shoved around and bumped hard plus California heat. It's a bit low for the area but not uncommon. The replacement battery will be swinging over 2 years end of September... here's to hoping I have better luck.

 

They're all made in the same factory unfortunately....

 

Exactly. Like I said, they all come out of Johnson Controls and probably all made to similar specification. Just like oil filters can come out from the same plant but some have more pleats and different filtering materials.

Since you're in North OC, any place you recommend for alignments?

The guy I use in La Habra is great and knowledgeable but only available by appointments M-F.

 

I don't know if you have ever considered a trickle charger, but I feel it has helped my battery reach 7 years and I'm a believer. I try to keep my batteries open voltage from 12.6v to 12.8 and it seems to keep it healthy/strong, as does taking long drives as opposed to short trips that never charges the battery.

 

I use Battery Tender on my cars if not going to be driven for more than 2 weeks at a time.

 

I drove a tow truck for AAA for 8 years. 8 long years of jump starting many cars a day during the winter. Whenever you think it may be time to replace your battery. Do it. You'll thank yourself. Lololol

 

Right now im replacing batteries every 3/4 years in the dry So Cal heat. I really want to move the battery to inside the cab behind the back seats.

 

I would like to see a test done with identical Tacoma's and how much extra life the battery that's inside has. I bet it could triple the life if the temperatures were extreme.

 

Try insulating the battery first as it would be the easiest option. See if that works.

 

Better safe than sorry!

 

Summer is harder on a battery than winter is. That said, its fine to get stranded in summer!

I change all my batteries in every car at the 5 year mark, regardless of performance.

I carry a small booster pack in my truck as well.

 

8 yrs 4 me

 

Don't these batterys outgas?

 

I think that they do. There's a reason batteries are not inside the cabs.