Battery Health

[matt-c]

Just a quickie - car doesn't get used all that much (I think today was the first time this week) and with the colder weather coming in, I just thought I'd ask about Battery health.

It was a little slow to turn this morn - not massively, but a little slower than normal

This is what my gauge reads with ignition on before cranking;

And this is once started;

Anything to worry about? Or normal?

[ChrisIS200SportTTE]

Your voltage readings are exactly the same as mine and my Battery is only 5 months old.

Mine starts pretty much instantly but I use the car every day. Last weekend I didn't use it for 2 days and it was a little slower to start than normal come Monday morning and it was very cold outside. It took about 2-3 seconds to start.

Also I have had one instance where it took over 5 seconds to start. This was after parking it up for 3 days last month when we went away for the weekend. It's not done it since and it was also very cold I remember.

[matt-c]

Thanks Chris :) I'd say mines 2-3 seconds too. It turns a few times then fires. It's just today it turned just that little bit slower (ie, the speed between the noises, and the pitch was slightly lower) Definitely didn't sound like a dying Battery, but since someone posted on here about looking at the volt reading on ignition (which I didn't know about, and had never noticed it) I just thought I'd ask (plus anyone else who doesn't know, or joins the forum looking for a similar answer will find it)

[scudney]

Hi,how old is the Battery?if its 5 years or over would have it changed especially with winter here and you having to use the heating,headlights,heated seats etc more often,all put added strain on your Battery and if it is already on its last legs,using all the bits mentioned will only quicken its demise.

[matt-c]

Couldn't tell you - I've only had it since July, but I'm sure the previous owner said it was fairly new.