when to get new battery ???

pastorscott · January 29, 2007

04 burb and I am thinking it might be time for a new battery, not that anything is wrong but I like to change things before they go south. What have most of you guys done?

Scott

z85violator · January 29, 2007

my battery in my 2000 is just starting to go south. take yours to a shop and get a load test. then throw on a trickle charger.save some money and don't replace till it needs it.

95Sierra2500 · January 29, 2007

As I've said before, for some reason the ORIGINAL AC Delco batteries will last anywhere from 6-7 years before they start to get weak, provided you don't let them run til they're dead all the time. However, the replacements seem to get weak within 2-3 years, so they are nowhere near as good as the originals that come in the truck. I have no idea what the difference is.

I do know, however, that if you want a good replacement battery, go to Wal-Mart and get one of their MAXX batteries (the yellow ones). They come with a three-year replacement warrenty and another SIX years pro-rated after the first 3 years. If they're giving out 9 year warrenties they have to be good...And if you want, just let the battery die just before 3 years are up, take it in, viola! free battery.

mrsilv04 · January 29, 2007

As I've said before, for some reason the ORIGINAL AC Delco batteries will last anywhere from 6-7 years before they start to get weak, provided you don't let them run til they're dead all the time.

That is, if they don't start leaking after 3-4 years. I've had two start leaking around the side terminals.

Greek · January 29, 2007

On my 2000 Z71 (purchased in Jan200) I replaced the original battery in 2004 (April) with a Red Top from COSTCO. The original battery was fine but I did not want any problems after 4.5 years. My other batteries lasted about 5 yrs or so.

As I've said before, for some reason the ORIGINAL AC Delco batteries will last anywhere from 6-7 years before they start to get weak, provided you don't let them run til they're dead all the time.

That is, if they don't start leaking after 3-4 years. I've had two start leaking around the side terminals.

Giant · January 29, 2007

I've never put a battery in a truck yet. I haven't owned my own long enough to worry about it and the one in this truck looks pretty new. BUT The battery in my 03 Camry just went out on me a few months ago. I'm pretty sure its the original battery, and I think part of the reason it died was from my trip to Iraq. It sat for 6 months and was only started about once a month or so to get things rolling and keep parts lubricated.

On another note, if you do decide to replace it, put the biggest battery you can fit in the battery cage in it. Highest CCA they make. This, from what I understand, will cause the battery to last longer because it will never be under a very heavy load. And it will improve cold starts.

C & A s Dad · January 29, 2007

The high CCA theory is just that, a theory and is not true generally speaking. Many people go for the highest CCA they can find thinking it is a "better battery". The fact is there are only 2 ways of getting more CCA's from a battery, either use a higher specific gravity acid or pack in more lead. Both of these will typically shorten the battery's life. The higher specific gravity acid attacks the lead more aggressively and the battery with more lead is "acid starved". Of course, this is not to say that every high CCA battery is not going to last a good long time.

I realize there are different climates and loads and in some cases you may need more CCA, just know these batteries will typically not last as long. We recommend replacing the battery with one that is rated very closely to the OE battery in CCA and reserve capacity.

As far as replacing them before they go bad, I simply keep a small "booster pack" in my truck and plug it into the cig lighter about every 2 months to keep it charged up and let it stay there while I drive for a day or so. This way I always have a back up if my battery goes south and I use the booster pack for other things around the house and you can easily offer a boost to someone in need without dragging out the cables. Just a thought.

Rolandd · January 30, 2007

Those booster packs are great for blowing apart cheap door locks in houses--they kick out enough amps to pop a hollow door knob off its mounts.

C & A s Dad · January 30, 2007

We will not ask how you know this.

pwall · January 30, 2007

I replaced the factory 600CCA battery in my truck the first winter I got in (2002). I put in a 1000CCA.

I didn't like how sluggish the truck seem to start when it was -30C outside. So far, no issues with the 'bigger' battery.

I then put the factory 600CCA battery in my K-car (that I had at the time). ;)

asepgrad98 · January 30, 2007

if you live in the south get a "southern" Diehard. It is the only battery that i know of that is made for the hot weather, has thicker plates.

ATMINF · January 30, 2007

I would say look at changing out the factory battery after 3-4 years because of acid leakage. On my 2001 the battery acid leaded out and ate up the window washer motor gasket. The motor worked but as soon as I put more fluid in it leaked, I checked on the plastic tank and it was fine. The battery did not show any indications of failer or changing problems, just one day and I had a funky water spot and then a rusty spot on the driveway. I replaced it with a optima, but you live an learn.

bballa · January 31, 2007

Just replaced the original battery in my 2001 silverado because I noticed acid on the battery tray. When I was removing the positive terminal the bolt broke off at the threads. I had read that leaking from the positive terminal is a common problem and checked for corrosion often so I don't think it had been leaking long, maybe a month or so. Still I got six years out of it , not to bad. I replaced it with a high quality battery made by East Penn Manufacturing Co. The battery is sold by Carquest dealers, it's called advanced generation. IT has 800cca, is warranted for 72 months and weighs 39 lbs. Cost me $87 plus tax.