otrfun wrote:
Bedlam wrote:
My dual batteries in the Ford with the PSD lasted eight years. The single battery in my VW with the TDI lasted over 10 years. Batteries are a small percentage of vehicle maintenance costs.
Wow, that's some great longevity. Can't say I've ever had a vehicle battery last that long. I might add I always watch water levels and voltages closely.
Before I moved to AZ I do remember batteries lasting much longer. Here in the desert SW, extremely low humidity, 7-8 months of 90+ temps, and 110-115 degree summer temps, all take a serious toll on batteries. From my experience batteries here last 3-4 years, 5-6 years if I'm real lucky. I would venture to say batteries are probably a higher percentage of maintenance costs here than in the PNW.
You are exactly correct. Heat is horrible on batteries. I lost more newer batteries in the 2 years we lived in Phoenix than anywhere else.
By comparison, I've got a pair of 9 & 7 year old batteries in the truck right now that are still going strong, most of all of their life in the PNW and AK. Knock on wood!
