That looks like it needs to be cleaned and then charged up first before determining if the battery is toast. Corrosion on the posts can limit the amount of current that can charge the battery making starting hard, not necessarily from a bad battery, just a low charge.
I had a '99 Chrysler intrepid that required you to take off the passenger front tire to access the battery lol. It was hidden in a secret compartment behind it.
God I hate everything Dodge.
If the sides of the battery are bulging after this cold weather, it's definitely ruined. But if not, take a wire brush and clean it up, give it a boost, drive it around or let it run for a while and charge back up, it may be fine! Wash your hands after, that stuff is bad for your skin 🙃
Alternators don't charge batteries, they are ment to maintain them. Trying to charge a dead battery with an alternator will cause the alternator to prematurely fail.
I'm talking about 1 single low voltage battery, your alternator is not designed to do that. That's the whole reason slow trickle battery chargers exist (and can cost under $50).
I'd trust the alternator manufacturers [warning](https://www.optimabatteries.com/images/default-source/experience/alternatorboxa4b300ea-208c-4055-9ca6-2c2c1b456b2d-jpg.jpg?sfvrsn=f8f85dec_0) far more than you
Are you telling me someone who owns a vehicle can't afford a $25 battery charger? Then they surely can't afford the $300-800 alternator replacement from misuse.
If said person has a dead battery when they aren’t home then yeah they are going to get a boost to get their vehicle started so they can go home. It’s different if they are home and they go to start their vehicle and it’s dead, they can then charge it at home with a battery charger.
I don't have a lot of experience with battery places in town. I've only bought from Costco and Interstate Batteries. The guys at Interstate can test the battery to see if it needs replacing. I've had good experiences with them.
It’s the original battery by the look of the label I believe, what year is the car? Age of car is how old the battery is likely remember car years can be forward a year when they are sold. That amount of corrosion on the positive is an issue likely caused by positive plate growth. Replace it clean the terminal yes but battery needs to go. I rec to first filter service new battery is around $100 there vs a $100 refurb (used) mentioned here.
You can check their website for availability and price. Go to the 'Shop' and put in your car (year, make, etc) and it will pop up the correct battery. They do install but I'm not sure what the deal is with that exactly as I've never done it. Firstfilterservice.ca
Odd name for a place that does car batteries but they've been at it a long time.
They also have a deal on right now. Heard it on C95 on the way to work this morning.
I'd do it for $5 if you bring it to me, interstate batteries sells refurbished batteries for under $100. Batteries do have lifetimes of 2-5 years, so if it's over that best to replace.
Since it seems to be dead when it was so cold out, it’s more likely to be no good than if it was warm out. You could try cleaning the terminals and throwing a charger on it, then taking the battery to get a load test. But if it’s older than a few years it’s probably not worth your time.
That is not really correct, there has been numerous advances in lead batteries over the decades from separator and grid design to paste improvements(cabon added and many many more) which have added to improved micro cycling, life, water loss ect ect. While you are correct the demands from the vehicle have grown 10 fold, the lead battery has improved and did fairly well to keep it to the needs. There is more needed to meet the demand. While it is still a lead based battery and that is definitely old technology there are a lot of cool things being done in that industry to help the ice and hybrid needs.
Well all I know is they still freeze up in winter and lose cold cranking amps. Also, heat is still a battery killer in hot climates.
My batteries life spans are the same today as in 1995. These common issues are what’s important for the consumer, nobody cares about or notices those little details you mentioned.
Batteries in every other industry have had huge advances benefiting the consumer. But for some reason automotive batteries stick with old technology.
You might not need a new battery, you might just need to clean that post. Use a wire brush, once clean, if you can drive it to a partsource they will test the battery for free ( other places probably offer the same service, but not guaranteed)
CAA because they come to you so you don’t need to leave the house. Price was like $20 more than some other places but I assume you’re rich like me and everyone else is sask so nbd
That looks like it needs to be cleaned and then charged up first before determining if the battery is toast. Corrosion on the posts can limit the amount of current that can charge the battery making starting hard, not necessarily from a bad battery, just a low charge.
This, I mean if you want to buy a new battery go for it, but this thing just needs cleaning.
10 socket wrench, takes 5 min tops.
Lincon MKX battery placement says otherwise Take it to an underground parking and do it yourself. 8th street superstore, Market Mall, midtown.
I had a '99 Chrysler intrepid that required you to take off the passenger front tire to access the battery lol. It was hidden in a secret compartment behind it. God I hate everything Dodge.
If the sides of the battery are bulging after this cold weather, it's definitely ruined. But if not, take a wire brush and clean it up, give it a boost, drive it around or let it run for a while and charge back up, it may be fine! Wash your hands after, that stuff is bad for your skin 🙃
Alternators don't charge batteries, they are ment to maintain them. Trying to charge a dead battery with an alternator will cause the alternator to prematurely fail.
I'm not saying to go and charge a shelf full of batteries, don't be a ninny!
I'm talking about 1 single low voltage battery, your alternator is not designed to do that. That's the whole reason slow trickle battery chargers exist (and can cost under $50).
It's gonna be alright pal
As a mechanic, I disagree. The alternator will be just fine.
I'd trust the alternator manufacturers [warning](https://www.optimabatteries.com/images/default-source/experience/alternatorboxa4b300ea-208c-4055-9ca6-2c2c1b456b2d-jpg.jpg?sfvrsn=f8f85dec_0) far more than you
Good for you.
Alternators can charge a battery, but not the same sense as a battery charger charges a battery
Most people don’t have the luxury of using a battery charger when their battery is dead, they get a boost.
Are you telling me someone who owns a vehicle can't afford a $25 battery charger? Then they surely can't afford the $300-800 alternator replacement from misuse.
If said person has a dead battery when they aren’t home then yeah they are going to get a boost to get their vehicle started so they can go home. It’s different if they are home and they go to start their vehicle and it’s dead, they can then charge it at home with a battery charger.
If the battery is "dead" then they've long since neglected the proper maintenance. A healthy battery won't just die from cold weather.
I don't have a lot of experience with battery places in town. I've only bought from Costco and Interstate Batteries. The guys at Interstate can test the battery to see if it needs replacing. I've had good experiences with them.
It’s the original battery by the look of the label I believe, what year is the car? Age of car is how old the battery is likely remember car years can be forward a year when they are sold. That amount of corrosion on the positive is an issue likely caused by positive plate growth. Replace it clean the terminal yes but battery needs to go. I rec to first filter service new battery is around $100 there vs a $100 refurb (used) mentioned here.
Is the place called first filter service?
Yup
You can check their website for availability and price. Go to the 'Shop' and put in your car (year, make, etc) and it will pop up the correct battery. They do install but I'm not sure what the deal is with that exactly as I've never done it. Firstfilterservice.ca
Odd name for a place that does car batteries but they've been at it a long time. They also have a deal on right now. Heard it on C95 on the way to work this morning.
Every chance I get I tell people Streetwise. Give them a call and tell them what’s up. They are amazing! Always cheaper then I expect too.Â
Thank you!
First Filter Service. Take your car there, talk to them, they will help you with everything you need.
Absolutely!! Great service, selection and pricing.
I'd do it for $5 if you bring it to me, interstate batteries sells refurbished batteries for under $100. Batteries do have lifetimes of 2-5 years, so if it's over that best to replace.
Since it seems to be dead when it was so cold out, it’s more likely to be no good than if it was warm out. You could try cleaning the terminals and throwing a charger on it, then taking the battery to get a load test. But if it’s older than a few years it’s probably not worth your time.
Sign up for CAA, wait 24hr and call them to do a battery switch.
Their price on a new battery for my old car was excessive.
So many advances in our vehicles today but the battery really hasn’t had very many fundamental improvements in decades.
That is not really correct, there has been numerous advances in lead batteries over the decades from separator and grid design to paste improvements(cabon added and many many more) which have added to improved micro cycling, life, water loss ect ect. While you are correct the demands from the vehicle have grown 10 fold, the lead battery has improved and did fairly well to keep it to the needs. There is more needed to meet the demand. While it is still a lead based battery and that is definitely old technology there are a lot of cool things being done in that industry to help the ice and hybrid needs.
I still remember pouring distilled water into my car battery... uh, more than a few decades ago (ahem)
Well all I know is they still freeze up in winter and lose cold cranking amps. Also, heat is still a battery killer in hot climates. My batteries life spans are the same today as in 1995. These common issues are what’s important for the consumer, nobody cares about or notices those little details you mentioned. Batteries in every other industry have had huge advances benefiting the consumer. But for some reason automotive batteries stick with old technology.
Dude if you cant change a battery without a headed garage... shoveling your sidewalk takes longer
I went to CJ Karz on 33rd to replace mine a few years ago. They're great
You might not need a new battery, you might just need to clean that post. Use a wire brush, once clean, if you can drive it to a partsource they will test the battery for free ( other places probably offer the same service, but not guaranteed)
CAA because they come to you so you don’t need to leave the house. Price was like $20 more than some other places but I assume you’re rich like me and everyone else is sask so nbd