Hi Dan,
Having survived the freezing Vermont winters for too many years to count I
can tell you of my experiences. With the cold weather there is normally some
kind of warning (but not always) when the battery is going bad....normally
slower cranking.
The devices you are talking about are good, but not sure they would solve
your relative's problem. A portable "jump starter" will normally start a car,
but if her battery won't accept a charge that means if it does start, the
alternator won't be able to recharge the battery and the car will either die
or
possibly have some damage done.
A normal battery charger has the same problem. If the battery won't hold a
charge, the charger will do no good.
My practice in the cold climates has been to change the battery after 5
years regardless of how good I think it still is. I change them before I have
a
problem...just watch for a sale.
I realize that most companies make a battery specifically for the northren
region. I think there is also one for the hot climates.
The last issue of Consumer Reports that I read on battery tests were pretty
surprising. The ones we've heard a lot of "name brands" that is, the ones
that are advertised the most also tend to be the most expensive. But, upon
testing they aren't necessarily the best ones.
Surprise, surprise one of the best tested was the one available from
Walmart. I can't remember the brand name or who makes it for them, but it was
one
of the best and at about 30-40% cheaper than almost all of the name brands.
The other thing I do is forget what the book says my car/truck needs... I go
for the largest battery that will fit in the tray and under the hood.
Normally all batteries within a class are the same price regardless of their
size,
cranking power or reserve.
On the warranty...CR found that many batteries of the same brand, but with
different length warranties, performed exactly the same. In other words, with
a longer warranty you are buying an insurance policy. I confirmed this with
a Interstate Battery store. The guy said most of the batteries with different
warranties are exactly the same...a buyer has to figure his/her situation
and decide if the extra is worth it.
So, that's what I know about batteries in the cold north. I know you have a
different problem with the heat and I'm sure someone can chime in with their
experience on that.
Mark
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