Aux Battery Prophylactic Replacement?

I am going on 3 years with my replacement Optima yellow Top.

Invest in a battery charger. One with a charging meter that shows current draw. Once a month throw it on the charger and observe its charging behavior using the 2 amp mode. Really the best way to test a battery over years. Its super easy using the front jump points take 1 minute to hook it up.

This monthly maintenance charge will add years to its life. But over time you will see that it will begin struggling to achieve a full charge.
It begins to take much much longer to achieve a full charge. Then you know it getting tired and time to replace.
No drama it will give you plenty of notice.

I got 7 years out of the original battery since I bought the car new. My observations convinces me that the factory battery may be superior to the Optima based on there charging behavior. Its a little more expensive than an Optima.

 

can't give you a hard date. some say 4-5 years. the issue is whether you have ever run it down, or if you don't drive very frequently. other than that, they are good for 8-10 years.
my 5 year old battery still measures 12.8 volts, and i leave it in the cold for 5 weeks every winter.

 

Given your circumstances, a mulit-meter might be a better use of your money than a charger.

IF......the car is used regularly, that is driven at least 3 days a week for 10 miles or more to keep the battery charged then it likely will last 5 years or more.

Measuring the voltage after it sits overnight will give you a rough indication of it's health.

 

Can't go wrong owning a dvm. Buy a nice $75 Fluke on eBay. It will work forever. But nothing beats comparing its slow charge rate over a few years as it ages..

Not being able to charge it in a garage is a hardship.

I like this one as it has 2 amp mode and its very simple. My Optima over 3 years of maintenance charges is now struggling to charge to 100% full after 12 hours. In 2 amp mode which is the best mode to charge in takes quite a few hours to charge from say 13. to 13.8. It did it when it was brand new. It would illuminate the FULL light. Takes forever now to light that FULL light only 3 years so it's showing minor signs of wear.
The factory battery that came with the car showed better signs of charging at that age.
A DVM will not show you that.

My oem factory battery started to suddenly show it was having a problem charging up. Very noticeable on the charger. I replaced it immediately.

Edit:
For some reason it wont load my Amazon.com link. But on amazon search Schumacher SE-520ma.
Simple easy charger will last 30 years. $50.

 

Considering your parking situation, etc. I would agree with Sam Spade's suggestion of just keeping an eye on the battery, by using a multimeter (volt meter) testing at the jump point under the hood.

Depending how paranoid you are, maybe test once-a-month or a few times a month, first thing in the morning after the car has sat overnight (a Saturday or Sunday morning, if you have weekends free).

If it reads under 12.2, replace. The battery should last at least five years, though. This meter is sold for under $20 USD at both Home Depot and Amazon.
Dawson Tools DDM422 Compact Digital Multimeter with LCD Display Back Light

I have a Klein tools brand I bought for around $40 that works well. Even have an old Craftsman Analog...

 

I'd second getting a decent multimeter. It's what I use the most. Still, for when your battery is getting suspect, a digital load tester is the bee's knees:


I'd also get a good smart charger (around $70~80).

 

price out a replacement battery, it might make your decision easier.

 

July 2011 I put the Yellow Top Optima batt in there...no problems but maybe I should update
The OEM batt has lasted many years for some...depends if you've run it down in its history.

 

WAY overkill, Ed.
A $10 meter from WalMart or Lowes.......or even a free one from Harbor Freight is all the average owner needs.

 

Get what u pay for.

 

Give it a rest, Ed.
Sometimes you take a general rule and carry it WAY too far.

In this case, anything that will read 12 V and will show if it is higher or lower than the last time you checked it will do nicely in about 95% of the cases. Even a test lamp glowing bright or dim can do in a pinch.

Do you pull your trailer with a $100,000 Hummer ?
Why not......you get what you pay for, after all.

 

Wow

 

I tried replacing my 12V battery with a condom, but it didn't work.

Ok seriously though, my OEM 12V battery lasted 7.5 years and its replacement is at 5 years so far with and no sign of weakness yet.

The 12V battery doesn't get pushed very hard in the Prius so it can last a long time, especially if you've never let it go flat. Personally, as long as my battery tests ok I'm happy to keep on using it. When it starts showing too much signs of weakening I'll replace it. My original battery faded out pretty slowly, with measured voltages in "Ignition on" mode gradually dropping from 12.0V down to about 11.5V over a period of months.

 

Replace the battery every. Four or five years and no need to worry.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

that's an incredible price, congrats!

 

call first. i've asked about battery specials before, 'oh no, not for a prius!'. but the ad says 'fits all toyotas.'