BATTERIES

[ianaudia4]

Not a problem a such more of peoples opinion about what battery to buy. I am a big fan of Bosch products, and I want to replace the battery in the Scala, as it as flat as a witches tit, I don't know how old it is so I would prefer to renew.

What are you using/rocommend?

[bluestreak56]

I went for the Bosch 44mah from ECP.

I really wish I had bought the slightly higher capacity one. Definitely recommend going for that.

[ianaudia4]

That is what I was looking at earlier, £35 seems a decent price. Has it been good in this cold weather?

[GTXTRA]

bought a varta for the 16v from this lot - www.tayna.co.uk - but have ok experience of Bosch too.

having said that went and disconnected the three cars that havent been driven for a week or so earlier tonight.

[bluestreak56]

That is what I was looking at earlier, £35 seems a decent price. Has it been good in this cold weather?

Not had any problems with it being flat so far.

Only thing I will say about it is: I wish I had gone for the slightly higher rated 60 odd mah one for the following reasons :

1) Peace of mind that you should have more than enough power for all appliances
2) The smaller battery is literally a lot smaller than the original and does not fit in the tray correctly without additional support
3) For £10 extra or so its worth it!

Probably me being paranoid because of my cold start issue - combined with the fact I see the battery light flicker on start up at times. Although I have changed the battery, alternator and it still does this.. so could be unrelated.

Anyway sorry for the long reply mate - basically go for the next one up

[ianaudia4]

I understand what you mean Rohan, about the larger AH rating but I am not sure what the output of the alternator is as the pink sticker is goosed and only shows it is a Bosch, don't want to get a battery that the alternator will have to work its little arse off trying to charge!
I rang the dealers and gave them the chasis number but they couldn't help with what the rating of the alternator was went the car was built.

[bluestreak56]

I understand what you mean Rohan, about the larger AH rating but I am not sure what the output of the alternator is as the pink sticker is goosed and only shows it is a Bosch, don't want to get a battery that the alternator will have to work its little arse off trying to charge!
I rang the dealers and gave them the chasis number but they couldn't help with what the rating of the alternator was went the car was built.

Ah yes I see where you are coming from.

I cant remember the output of the alternators but im sure someone on here knows. I dont think it would be too stressful with a 50ish mah battery though

Let us know how you get on Ian

[ianaudia4]

The alternators can be 45, 55, 65 or 90 amp! I know my Storm has a 90amp because I fitted it, I was just going to play safe with the 44ah Bosch so as not to need a new alternator.

[Junglist]

You can tell the quality of a battery by the length of warranty. 2,3,4 or 5 years. You'll pay through the nose for 5 but 4 is usually the wisest choice. Poor batteries will offer short warranty. Don't choose based on the reputation of the brand. Good spark plugs doesn't mean good batteries.

[Nate]

as previously mentioned, go for one with a long guarantee. a 1 year guaranteed battery is so for a reason!

personally i'd go for a known name too. varta and deta being my preferred choice

[Brunty]

I'll go out on a limb and recommend Halfords! I got the bigger option of the two for a couple of my cars now, Scirocco and Impreza and they were great. I think they say Calcium Technology or something on them and iirc have a 5 year guarantee. They do cost a bit of a fortune compared to others though.

[Junglist]

You can get the same batteries Halfords sell for about 60% of their price if you know where to go. UK batteries, Maccess, lots of places selling other vehicle stuff like exhausts or such like. DO NOT BUY HOPPECKE - they are shite!

[jonkennedy]

Hi There

After leaving my car in LONG STAY car park for 4 days I returned to a FLAT BATTERY..


I am looking to buy a new one and hoped you could advise me for £40 - £60...
This one from Euro Car Parts looks to be about right
http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/Volks ... 5ec84&BATT

Any Advice ?

Let me know
JON

[ianaudia4]

Mate, ECP sell Bosch batteries, I bought a S3 type 063 53 amp for £38, fits the space nicely.

[mark1gls]

GSF sell bosch batteries, don't seems to be listed on there web site, I expect they cant offer delivery. Give them a call, they are just of the M32.
http://www.gsfcarparts.com
If you are a paid up member you can get some discount.