July 2019 All topic thread
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,865
Likes: 497
Wal*Mart sounds like the best value. Even if you factor in cost of commute. Save the receipt, and evidence of warranty. 4 years down the line, you may need to argue over the warranty. Take pictures of the advertisement, ask for a warranty certificate, be sure that you can later prove the warranty was issued. Get it in writing.
I'm not sure what the warranty is on Ford Motorcraft, but the OEM battery in my pickup lasted 10 years. I replaced it with an Optima. Interstate batteries are very good. They actually replace the battery free within the warranty.
From experience, over the counter auto parts store brands are not very good. A 24 month pro-rated battery has a depreciation chart. I remember buying those, the battery is useless after 18 months, and pro-rated gave me 15% off purchase of a replacement of the same battery. No thanks. I don't want to buy the same garbage twice.
I'm not sure what the warranty is on Ford Motorcraft, but the OEM battery in my pickup lasted 10 years. I replaced it with an Optima. Interstate batteries are very good. They actually replace the battery free within the warranty.
From experience, over the counter auto parts store brands are not very good. A 24 month pro-rated battery has a depreciation chart. I remember buying those, the battery is useless after 18 months, and pro-rated gave me 15% off purchase of a replacement of the same battery. No thanks. I don't want to buy the same garbage twice.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 7,830
Likes: 96
From: Manteca,Ca
I usually get my Interstates from a discount Ag over here , but Costco sells them now , can’t beat Costco , it does say in little itty bitty writing you must charge every month , had my truck battery’s in for almost 3 years , that seems to be the life span for diesels , my dump trailer I just found out 7 years and I put a Trickle charger on that every month sometimes twice when in heavy useage.
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FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,085
Likes: 245
From: Fresno, CA.
I have never had any problems with batteries from Autozone. However, at this time, cost is the most important factor. So I will be going to Walmart. In order to use a voltmeter, one must have a working one that he can find. Since one of mine has a dead battery, I am sure the other one does too. I have not done any real mechanic work in several years, so most of my tools and/or test equipment is long gone. I have a 40+ year old Craftsman toolbox with a hodgepodge of tools in it. The tools I had in the Thunderbird, I gave to my son in law so if it breaks down he has something to fix it with. I need to start getting more tools. Only a matter of time before something else goes out on the Toyota. Problem is, I can't do the work on it like I used to be able to do on the older cars. I am not physically able, and they are more complicated now than when I was a mechanic in the 80's LOL.
Jim
Jim
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,865
Likes: 497
Cars now have computers and sensors. More complicated, and simpler at the same time. Diagnostic trouble codes take a lot of the guess work out of diagnostic work. All the basics are still the same. Oil life monitor alerts you to change oil. You still change oil the same way. Steam rising from the engine bay, and smelling like sweet radiator fluid, is still a leak. Belts and hoses are still the same. Computer tells you which cylinder is misfiring, so that you can check that one first, without messing with all eight. Sensors tell you which catalytic converter is the issue, without you having to guess. I really like how sensors give you temperature of intake air, cylinder head, coolant, transmission....... Brakes are still brakes.
From the way you describe your physical condition, you should let someone else turn the wrench. You do not need to crawl under the car. My dad let's me do it now. Any way to get the son in law to help out with the smaller jobs like oil change, spark plugs, brakes? Maybe a young neighbor would be willing to wrench, with your guidance, and learn something from you. That's how dad taught me.
From the way you describe your physical condition, you should let someone else turn the wrench. You do not need to crawl under the car. My dad let's me do it now. Any way to get the son in law to help out with the smaller jobs like oil change, spark plugs, brakes? Maybe a young neighbor would be willing to wrench, with your guidance, and learn something from you. That's how dad taught me.
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FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,085
Likes: 245
From: Fresno, CA.
I like the sensor and computer part of cars these days because of the reasons you stated. However, in my case, the code reader only tells me the check engine light is on due to a O2 sensor. However, when I call the mechanic, he tells me the Sienna has four of them, so I don't know which one is bad. Of course, at this point in time, it does not matter, because I need to get it started. The battery is about the only thing I can do now, except maybe the air filter, as they both are easy to get to. Anything else, and I would have to pay someone to take care of it. The son in law helps whenever he can. he does most the work on the Thunderbird now.
Jim
Jim
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FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,085
Likes: 245
From: Fresno, CA.
I am hoping battery as well, since it would be a lot easier to replace. But I will have the charging system tested when I go in for the battery.
Jim
Jim
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,865
Likes: 497
It should be just the battery. You didn't drive it, and it did not hold the charge. If you did drive it, and the alternator didn't charge it, then that's another story. You should be okay with a fresh battery......
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 7,830
Likes: 96
From: Manteca,Ca
I think it’s was simpler when Horse and buggie was around , what could go wrong with a buggie besides a wheel hub , and a horse well , low Emmisions , no testing for that , no battery’s to play with, only Sensor they have is when a cat come out from a bush 
and that brings me to the Brakes No Brakes commentary 
other than that Hay , Water and a few carrots , good to Go.
and that brings me to the Brakes No Brakes commentary other than that Hay , Water and a few carrots , good to Go.
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FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,085
Likes: 245
From: Fresno, CA.
Don't have a stable currently available, and horses are expensive. Of course, if everyone had one the price might drop some. Wouldn't want to take a long trip with one though. Instead of taking hours to get to Los Angeles, it would be several days. Of course, who wants to go to LA anyway? LOL
Jim
Jim
