[villages07]

I had quite a surprise a couple of weeks ago when I went out to start my 07 Camry and the engine wouldn't crank. No prior symptoms whatsoever. We then did a hydrometer test and had a couple of weak cells and one pretty much dead cell.

Car is about 3.5 yrs old, just about 20K miles on it, of which only 9k in the last 3 years in The Villages. The car can sit in the garage for a week at a time since we use golf carts for most local buzzing around.

Fortunately, a friend came to our rescue and jump started it for an easy trip up to Sam's for a replacement.

But, since then, we have learned from 'car guys' that car batteries don't last as long in the hot Florida climate as they would in colder areas. This seems counter-intuitive. They also say long periods of inactivity are also bad for the car.

Anyway, just a little heads up for some of you who make minimal use of your car and who might not be aware that battery life is shorter down here.

[LB]

Hello All, In the fifteen years we have been in West Palm Beach, batteries only last about 3 years. And mine have all died with no notice, and one exploded. That was a mess! LB

[downeaster]

Originally Posted by villages07

I had quite a surprise a couple of weeks ago when I went out to start my 07 Camry and the engine wouldn't crank. No prior symptoms whatsoever. We then did a hydrometer test and had a couple of weak cells and one pretty much dead cell.

Car is about 3.5 yrs old, just about 20K miles on it, of which only 9k in the last 3 years in The Villages. The car can sit in the garage for a week at a time since we use golf carts for most local buzzing around.

Fortunately, a friend came to our rescue and jump started it for an easy trip up to Sam's for a replacement.

But, since then, we have learned from 'car guys' that car batteries don't last as long in the hot Florida climate as they would in colder areas. This seems counter-intuitive. They also say long periods of inactivity are also bad for the car.

Anyway, just a little heads up for some of you who make minimal use of your car and who might not be aware that battery life is shorter down here.

I have lived in North and Central Florida for 30 plus years. In my experience, car batteries last about five years.

[batman911]

Car batteries normally last the number of months stamped on the battery. A battery with a 72 month rating is made to last at least 6 years. The higher the number of months the more the battery cost. Manufacturing defects and abnormal use can shorten the life of any battery. Not using the vehicle daily is one of the things that will shorten battery life. I have lived in tropical areas for over 40 years and buy my batteries at Sears.

[Sandy222]

Yesterday after driving home from Ocala we parked the car on the street in front of our house. Went out to put it in the garage 10 minutes later -----nothing, dead as dead. Even the door locks wouldn't work. We called AAA and they took care of us. He also said that batteries don't last here in the Florida. Ours was 4 years old. .... Is there some way to check if the battery is getting low??

[Yoda]

I too had to call AAA because of the sudden death of my battery. They sent the battery car. While talking to the service man, he said that in his experience, batteries are good for 3 years in Florida.

In Massachusetts, they seemed to last forever.

Yoda

[F16 1UB]

Daily driver vehicle batteries seem to last longer. I replaced the battery in my toy car after 3 years. click click click. Red top Optima batteries aren't cheap but if you plan on keeping your vehicle you may want to change to this brand. It may be twice the price of replacing a conventional battery but you'd have peace of mind and they last 2-3 times longer.

F16

[cashman]

MY caddy is 6 yrs old and the battery is like new. It likes florida.

[nofla]

Car batteries don't quit without warning if you have your car maintained by a reputable repair shop. I'm presently a mechanic in south florida and every car that comes in with a battery more than a year old I test and most over 2 years old fail.

If you go to Jiffy Lube for oil changes they probably don't check and then your calling AAA for one of their EXPENSIVE batteries. And of course until they get there you're stranded.

The reason the battery is lasting so long in your Cadillac is because it's located under the rear seat, shielded from the nasty Florida sun.

Most batteries come with warranties that give free replacement within 2 years, so have your battery checked when it's 23 months old and chances you'll get a free battery.

[chuckinca]

Bought a new battery in October. Car sat in garage, driven once a month.
Dead in December.


.

[BowleesCreekYachtClub]

My experience with car batteries in Florida has been that they cost $20 per year. A $60 battery will last 3 years and a $140 Optima battery which I have used in one of my cars lasted 7 years.

[Don H]

I wonder how the hybrid batteries hold up in Florida. Anyone with a hybrid such as a Prius or Camry hybrid or a Ford Fusion hybrid out there?

[Pturner]

Originally Posted by Don H

I wonder how the hybrid batteries hold up in Florida. Anyone with a hybrid such as a Prius or Camry hybrid or a Ford Fusion hybrid out there?

I have an '07 Camry hybrid and had the same question. The engine battery is in the trunk and seems better insulated. (There's also has a battery under the hood that runs all the non-engine electrical stuff. I guess that one would be affected same as other standard car batteries, right?) Also, anyone have tips for how Floridians can extend car battery life?

Thanks.

[kb8tpw]

Thanks for all of the info, very timely for me. My Lincoln dealer here in Ohio said that my 4 year battery should be replaced shortly (don't remember reported readings in their test). Since we'll be on our way to TV in a few months I thought that just perhaps I'd limp thru the cruel winter and get a few extra months out of the battery with better Florida weather. So perhaps based on all of this good input I should move up the scheduled battery replacement. Thanks to all. Ray

[The Great Fumar]

Originally Posted by cashman

MY caddy is 6 yrs old and the battery is like new. It likes florida.

My towncar doesn't have a battery , (at least I don't think it does)

unplugged fumar