Flat battery... Likelihood of borkage??

[Bill]

Just after some thoughts...

My car has been standing unused for the last few months, only really used over the last few weeks for shortish distances - 30 minutes max, mostly less than that. But hasn't been feeling like it's struggling to start the (petrol) car.

Came out this morning and it's completely flat. Not even a flicker when you turn the key. A fairly flat booster got some life into the car but still unable to unlock it on the fob nevermind turn it over. Son denies responsibility but went out last night to fetch something, my suspicion is that he turned a light on and left it.

So, do I try a trickle charge over the weekend? Or give up and buy a new battery straight away...

[BertBert]

My normal approach in these circs is to buy a new battery. You may be able to bring it back to life by charging, but mostlikely it will be unreliable from here on in.

[gotoPzero]

Age of battery and make and age of car?

[Bill]

gotoPzero said:

Age of battery and make and age of car?

Unknown. It's a 2011 Yeti, I've had it almost 3 years.

I've answered my own question there, haven't I!!

[gotoPzero]

Charge fully, use as normal - replace before winter or if it dies again.

Should not need coding.

[Pica-Pica]

Check the battery date. Our 2013 Fabia's 1?2 TSi battery died after almost 9 years. Handbook says replace after 5 years. Just get a new battery from Halfords. In our case we got a Yuasa. It dropped straight in and started immediately.

[Bill]

I was down the road from the local tyre/battery place earlier so I just bought one. Will save a longer trip over the weekend if/when charging doesn't work.

[98elise]

gotoPzero said:

Charge fully, use as normal - replace before winter or if it dies again.

Should not need coding.

This.

Also measure the voltage when fully recharged. If its reading low them consider replacing it sooner.

[JimM169]

You can get a Kingbolen battery tester off Aliexpress for about £10. Not something that gets used a lot but does give a guide as to the state of the battery and is useful in circumstances like this.