Time for a new battery

[Turkey]

So with this stupid cold weather, it looks like my battery is toast. I went to start the car on saturday and it just caught after a couple of seconds. It started but my clock and stereo was reset. Sunday morning, I was not so lucky. I needed a boost. After that, I was fine for the rest of the day. Looks like I'm going to have to get myself a new battery. The car is 5 years old now so I guess it's time. Anyone have any good suggestions? Preferably a brand that's sold at NAPA as my brother works there and can get me some pretty good deals. I'll take other recommendations though. I'm really not sure if napa even has anything decent.

BTW: this is for an 04 GTI 1.8T

[stefan]

Re: Time for a new battery

don't they sell those optimas there? those are supposed to be pretty good.

Prior to my TDI, I always had NAPA batteries with no issues.

[RONDAL]

Re: Time for a new battery

so instead of learning to plug your car in when its -30 you are just going to buy new batteries everytime the cold kills it?

your battery sounds like it is holding a charge fine, its just the cold taking away its ability to start. try plugging in your car and seeing if that makes a difference before you waste $100 on a new battery

[eldo]

Re: Time for a new battery

/\/\/\ true. /\/\/\
i'm running an optima yellow-top in my car, and it's been great. that, and after 5 years, the $100 ish for a new battery might be worth it.

[snipa_mini85]

Re: Time for a new battery

I'm having the same issues with my Jetta's battery as well. I've searched for the plug-in but haven't been able to find it at all I'm thinking that the previous owner opted for not having a block heater. Stupid Torontonians!

[turbomeyers]

Re: Time for a new battery

I Sell a ton Of optimas and never have a reoccurring problem . go optima . you want a SC34R
The terminals are on the correct side . I sell them to public here for 202.34 eurodrivers getem for 182.98

[Satnam]

Re: Time for a new battery

plugging in helps,
but when the standard style battery goes through extreme temp cycle (calgary weather), the plates warp and start shorting out - killing cells.

Either get a gel cell (optima style) or get a battery blanket.

VW is good because there is a plastic housing that totally encloses the battery, which reduces the big temperature cycles - increasing the battery life.

I use optima batteries (and synthetic oil)in the truck and car, never plugged in on the street, never a problem starting at extreme low temps.
Yes it's harder on the engine - not plugging in.

Costco sells optima, canadian tire sells their version of optima also, our sponsers (see above) do as well.

[Turkey]

Re: Time for a new battery

I've never had trouble with cold starts in previous years. I'd get up in the morning and it would start without hesitation on the coldest mornings. This is why I'm assuming it's the battery giving up. I also don't have an engine heater installed. I've been wanting to install one of those zerostarts but I can't find any useful info on putting one in a GTI.

[R_Ethug]

Re: Time for a new battery

remember alot of cars don't have plugs anymore.. my s4 doesn't nor my wifes toyota.. i've had zero cold start issues with either although they are 90% garaged.

[Stonewall]

Re: Time for a new battery

I use Canadian Energy batteries in my diesels due to the good CCA rating and cheap price. I am thinking of getting a Optoma for the van but I am thinking I am going to get a collant heater for it first (especially after it wouldn't start yesterday).

[Turkey]

Re: Time for a new battery

After talking to the guy at napa, it seems that there's littile choice in aftermarket batteries for the GTI. He only has one option as they need a specific size. Something to do with the posts.
Has anyone else come accross this?

[MusicalGenius]

Re: Time for a new battery

Hey I'm looking to pick up a new battery as well, I was looking for an Optima Red Top. It seems they recommend the 75/35 Red Top. Anyone know if this one will for in a MKIV VR6?

[darkmanCANADA]

Re: Time for a new battery

Costco has Optima D35 yellow top for $168.99. Costco's numbering is called group 22. I checked on www.optimabatteries.com and that is what is recommended for the 1.8T and 1.9TDI. I took a picture of it to remind me when I needed a new one. May just replace it over the Christmas break anyway.

[RONDAL]

Re: Time for a new battery

remember alot of cars don't have plugs anymore.. my s4 doesn't nor my wifes toyota.. i've had zero cold start issues with either although they are 90% garaged.

block heaters aren't exactly a standard option

and garaging cars is the same as not parking them in freezing cold places....which is what causes the problems in the first place.

if you're parking outside overnight and its going to be -30 or below you are usually going to want to be plugging your car in. Otherwise you are just wreaking havoc on your engine and battery when you try and fire them up from cold.

if you want to know why, take a bottle of your oil, pour some oil into a plastic cup and put it outside overnight. now take that oil and try pouring it back into the bottle. It'll likely be like peanut butter.

[MusicalGenius]

Re: Time for a new battery

Costco has Optima D35 yellow top for $168.99. Costco's numbering is called group 22. I checked on www.optimabatteries.com and that is what is recommended for the 1.8T and 1.9TDI. I took a picture of it to remind me when I needed a new one. May just replace it over the Christmas break anyway.

I called Costco they said they had Group 35 Red Tops, for about $150 as well. Any idea if this'll fit a VR6? I know the Optima website recommends it.