Battery Life

[MikeC5]

I did some searches but could not come up with any results.
I have a 2011 2SS/RS while the car is running the volt meter seems to be on the next line to the right 15?, when I shut it off and turn the ignition back on, it looks like its around the 13 mark, then the needle goes back to straight up 12.
How do you know when to replace your battery?

[paul84043]

Most people replace it when it fails, but it really depends on your environment.
I live in Utah where our winters are brutal on electrical systems.
Typically 4 to 6 years is about all you're going to get out of the average battery.
The numbers you posted sound fine. Your battery is 12volts but you'll usually see anywhere from 13 to 14. Your alternator should be putting out right about 14 volts as well, that's why you see 14 when your car is running.
Most batteries fail because some other issue with your electrical system such as a bad cable or failing alternator and they get run down. Running your battery down is really bad for it.
You're going on 5 years, but if you're not having problems, you're most likely fine.
If you begin to have starting issues, then it's time to get things checked.

Other factors that adversely affect battery life are sources of high current draw like powerful aftermarket stereo systems and the like.. They can cause issues after a while.

[polizzio]

If you maintain the electrolyte level and not abuse them, batteries will live for 5,6, or 7 years. Add distilled water only and do not overfill. My first thread here is about checking and adding water to ur battery. Also, do not let the car sit for months and discharge the battery to where it will not start vehicle. If your gonna store a vehicle, buy an automatic trickle charger at walmart for $25.

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=355261

[myold88]

I changed the battery after 5 years and 40,000 miles on my '10 2SS L99. The factory
battery was still going strong but did it as a form of preventative maintenance.
I had a new Buick years ago and the factory battery quit after less than 3 years.
I replaced mine with a Interstate MTP 94R H7...$200.00 including tax, installed.

[Spec]

I just installed a new one after 80k miles. Felt like the right time... cold starts feel stronger... but maybe it's just me.

[Olddudesrule]

While the car is running, the gauge is reading the charging voltage, which should be around 14-15 volts. While the key is in the accessory position, car not running, the gauge should read around 12.5ish. That said, those gauges aren't accurate enough to read that. If you're not having any symptoms of a dying battery, open the trunk, grab a volt meter, and test the battery at rest. If your at 12.5 or close, you're probably good to go. I routinely use a Battery Tender for anything that doesn't get used on a regular basis, and it seems to help the battery life. As it is, batteries in my neck of the woods don't last more than a few years without it. The heat kills them.

[polizzio]

You don't need to open the trunk, remove carpet, plastic decking, and compressor. To test battery voltage, open the hood, red jumping terminal and any good metal ground under hood. Much easier for a simple battery voltage check with multimeter.

And a voltage check IS NOT a good indicator for a dying battery. Load test is the proper check, checks amperage while cranking, or attempting to crank engine. You can have a battery test 12.5 volts before hand and NOT start your engine (lost its energy storage ability). If you let electrolyte level drop below lead plates, or let battery discharge for months unattended, or just long term aging, this is what destroys a wet cell battery's ability to store energy (cold cranking amperage).

You cannot measure cranking amperage with just a simple electrical multimeter. Most are induction type amp meters. Most of the auto parts houses can properly load test a battery.

[CamaroCracka]

Down here I have batteries evaporate the water off until they don't hold a charge from time to time. For the mower, gate opener, and kids electric vehicles I'll open the caps and pour some bottled water in to extend the life.

My starter is starting to drag on cold starts, so I hook it to the batter charger and give it a slow 2 amp charge over night about once a month, but It won't be long and I'll be replacing it. 6 years is a pretty long life for a battery.

[spadz93]

Run to an autozone/advance auto, have them do a proper load test. Sounds like it may be time for a new battery, unless you're like me and had power steering fluid leak all over the alternator (not entirely likely, but possible). Just replaced my alternator and it hangs out at 15 pretty consistently, occasionally dropping to the high 14's. Battery is a year old interstate megatron plus as well

[MikeC5]

Thanks everyone for your posts. I caught it right before I started having problems and went to the Dealer had a new one installed. The car was built 9/2010, so the original battery lasted a good long time. I checked the standing voltage when I got to work this morning, the needle was around 13. have a Merry Christmas everyone and thanks again.