when to change battery?

ravi shankar · 12-28-2011, 04:40 PM

Hi folks, just bought a 2005 rav4 with original battery; its got 93000 km. it starts no problem but wondering when i should change battery?
thank you

Octane · 12-28-2011, 04:48 PM

Best way to know is to have it tested at a local mecanic, or to buy a load tester and check it yourself... just bought one for under 30$ and my 2007 battery is still good!

Blogson · 12-28-2011, 06:43 PM

If your RAV4 starts with no problem in Toronto in winter the battery most likely is fine. I subscribe to the "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" school (my agricultural background!).

03rav4inPA · 12-28-2011, 08:18 PM

If you get your oil changed at the dealer, they will test your battery for free and give you a printout. (At least mine did)

igzy · 12-28-2011, 09:20 PM

After it fails (if)..... Just like with any other part on the car

ronbo1313 · 12-29-2011, 11:16 AM

I live 90 miles from you and my 2004 RAV with 94,000 miles has an original battery. I have it checked on vehicle free every 1 st week of Nov by ADVANCE AUTO PARTS for free. Wipe the battery top every so often (6 months) to remove dirty between terminals and prevent shorting.

Kryten · 01-01-2012, 03:28 PM

My 2004 is also still on the original battery and doing fine.

Deanjet · 01-01-2012, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronbo1313

I live 90 miles from you and my 2004 RAV with 94,000 miles has an original battery. I have it checked on vehicle free every 1 st week of Nov by ADVANCE AUTO PARTS for free. Wipe the battery top every so often (6 months) to remove dirty between terminals and prevent shorting.

Wow, I have never had a battery last that long in any vehicle.

Octane · 01-01-2012, 04:49 PM

just my 0'02$

I prefer testing the battery rather than "if it works, it's good"... if your battery is crapping out, but still works, your alternator will have to work harder to maintain the battery, and a battery is a lot cheaper than an alternator!

that and the fact that your battery will always leave you standed in the worst time at the worst spot...

ronbo1313 · 01-01-2012, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deanjet

Wow, I have never had a battery last that long in any vehicle.

Surprised me a few years ago when I read that vehicle batteries don't last long in high heat areas like Arizona, Nevada, etc. One problem is maintenance free batteries whose water evaporates and no caps to take off to add water.

Also having a 4 cyl probably helps with less heat build up in engine compartment.

12-28-2011, 04:40 PM	#1 (permalink)
ravi shankar Member Country: Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: toronto Posts: 77 Thanks: 6 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	when to change battery? Hi folks, just bought a 2005 rav4 with original battery; its got 93000 km. it starts no problem but wondering when i should change battery? thank you

12-28-2011, 06:43 PM	#3 (permalink)
Blogson Advanced Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Oregon coast Posts: 871 Thanks: 1 Thanked 11 Times in 11 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	If your RAV4 starts with no problem in Toronto in winter the battery most likely is fine. I subscribe to the "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" school (my agricultural background!). __________________ Jim 2011 Upgraded Base V6 4WD 2007 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT 2002 Craftsman LT1000 V2 Jesus is Lord

12-28-2011, 08:18 PM	#4 (permalink)
03rav4inPA Senior Member Country: Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Fairless Hills, PA Posts: 301 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	If you get your oil changed at the dealer, they will test your battery for free and give you a printout. (At least mine did) __________________ 2003 Toyota Rav4 -- 2.0 VVT-I/Auto/4WD, 72k Current Mods: Bugflector, AVS Ventvisors, Eclipse AVN30D, OEM Foglights, OEM Heated Mirrors Future Mods: OEM rear-spoiler, OEM 'Sport' hood

12-28-2011, 09:20 PM	#5 (permalink)
igzy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Ontario Posts: 241 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	After it fails (if)..... Just like with any other part on the car __________________ 2006 4WD Limited w JBL 2001 Lexus IS300 C-pkg

12-28-2011, 04:48 PM	#2 (permalink)
Octane Advanced Member Country: Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: near Ottawa Canada Posts: 524 Thanks: 4 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Best way to know is to have it tested at a local mecanic, or to buy a load tester and check it yourself... just bought one for under 30$ and my 2007 battery is still good!

12-29-2011, 11:16 AM	#6 (permalink)
ronbo1313 Advanced Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: western new york Posts: 701 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I live 90 miles from you and my 2004 RAV with 94,000 miles has an original battery. I have it checked on vehicle free every 1 st week of Nov by ADVANCE AUTO PARTS for free. Wipe the battery top every so often (6 months) to remove dirty between terminals and prevent shorting.

01-01-2012, 04:49 PM	#9 (permalink)
Octane Advanced Member Country: Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: near Ottawa Canada Posts: 524 Thanks: 4 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	just my 0'02$ I prefer testing the battery rather than "if it works, it's good"... if your battery is crapping out, but still works, your alternator will have to work harder to maintain the battery, and a battery is a lot cheaper than an alternator! that and the fact that your battery will always leave you standed in the worst time at the worst spot...

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