Battery life of TDI

[neil]

Wondering what you guys are getting out of Battery life.

Have current 2007 and still seems to start fine.

1991 (bought new) Rodeo usually get 8 years out of battery (on third now)

[Pearce]

I have a 2007 TDI, not sure if the battery has been replaced, but I've been having trouble with it recently. Would be interested to see what people say.

[kamold]

Don't have a TDI so not an apples to apples comparison, but my 2007 petrol Golf started to crank a bit weakly on its original Varta battery about 3 months ago so I replaced it. Pretty good life I think considering they are apparently designed for 3-5 years use.

So a diesel (if it has the same battery) should get a bit more out of them I suppose.

[Ernz1981]

Changed mine late last year...battery was 5 years old...no problems...TDIs have a higher CCA rating than the petrol ones so be wary when making a purchase. People kept selling me ones for the normal petrol ones.

Thing is with batteries..they don't like very hot or very cold conditions and depends on how the vehicles is stored/used.

[Kiels3927]

My 2007 Multivan battery went belly up a couple of months back while I had it off the road fitting a towbar.

[gldgti]

Anywhere from 3-7 years is typical life and not to worry if its anywhere in there really.

Lots of things affect battery life, but stress (lots of cranking or having it go completely flat) definitely shorten the life.

A misused battery will not last all that long.

Diesels are typically quite hard on batteries as the cranking power is much higher due to the much higher compression ratio. The batteries are often physically larger and rated higher, but the physics of it mean that you have a more expensive, higher rated battery of similar size in a diesel passenger car compared to its petrol powered sister, and inevitably the battery doesn't last quite as long.

[kaanage]

Would an overnight trickle charge every month or even every fortnight help with lifespan?

I was thinking of getting a Ctek MXS 5.0 after my Polo battery was totally dead on return from a 2 week holiday

[gldgti]

Would an overnight trickle charge every month or even every fortnight help with lifespan?

I was thinking of getting a Ctek MXS 5.0 after my Polo battery was totally dead on return from a 2 week holiday

probably depends on usage. If you only take the car out once a week, it might help. If you drive it every day, probably not.

Even just the charge voltage from the alternator can have a big effect.

(Optimum charging voltage is between 13.6 and 14.2V for a lead acid 12V car battery)

[poyta]

Just replaced the battery in my 2007 GT so managed to get 7 years out of it.

[jdd]

Just changed the battery in our 2008 Golf 2.0 TDI a month after its 6th birthday.
Managed to find the same battery it came with (Varta) for a similar price as the other common brands we have here which all seem to be made in China these days.
I'll be happy if I get another 5-6 years out of this one.

[jets]

Managed to find the same battery it came with (Varta) for a similar price as the other common brands we have here which all seem to be made in China these days.

I just received a quote for a Besco brand [Malaysia] DIN 65 LH for $134. The Bosch over here is $219 or $250 for the Premium. I didn't find a price for Varta but I believe it to be similar to Bosch. How much was yours?

[Transporter]

I just received a quote for a Besco brand [Malaysia] DIN 65 LH for $134. The Bosch over here is $219 or $250 for the Premium. I didn't find a price for Varta but I believe it to be similar to Bosch. How much was yours?

I can get you BOSCH S5 for your Tiguan for $190 (pick up only)

[jets]

I can get you BOSCH S5 for your Tiguan for $190 (pick up only)

I was buying a battery for my tractor when I thought I would get a quote for our BKD Mk5 Golf. The Golf was made in late '05 & was replaced a couple of years ago as a result of our fridge [in the boot] being left on. I replaced it with an Asian battery of some sort but found when fitting it wasn't as tall as the original causing fitting problems. Apparently the correct height batteries are now available. At the time I wasn't aware that the Varta brand was available outside of dealerships. Through this forum & asking questions I now know there are quality batteries available in the Bosch & Varta brands. The next replacement will probably be in our T4 where I will be looking for something better quality than the Asian one I fitted.

[The_Hawk]

I expect that there will be a few more failures in the coming few weeks. Batteries that are on the edge tend to fail when it gets cold. The first real cold snap overnight will bring a busy morning for the NRMA/RACQ/RACV etc.

[Ryeman]

If always thought that Yuasa were a good Asian brand.
We had one that lasted from 1976 to 1986 in the first version of the Honda Accord.
how they are handled pre sale is important IMO.
Never use terminal straps to carry/install as that is likely to break the gas seal twixt case and terminal leading to permanent corrosion problems.