On a general note:
Reading through the many various forums that I do. I have been finding that for some odd reason that batteries are not going the distance of their life rating.
Part of it is due to the electrical components involved in today's newer style computer systems and the tighter tolerances needed to run these components.
The other reason they don't last as long is the constant drain on the system of the electrical components in a vehicle eventhough it is shut off.
Jack(JackandJanet) calculated out that if he parked his truck that in about 3 weeks it would be dead from the drain of the systems in his truck.
So ever since I read this thread I have come upon an idea for my garage queen and maybe to some degree help prolong the life of her battery.
I found myself buying a battery tender this afternoon. So hopefully it will add some life to the battery.
But I came upon this argument in another forum.
Are the "bad" batteries that are removed from the late model vehicles actually out of service?
According to a lot of people they are.
But a hand full actually say they aren't.
Reason being they still have enough life left in them to power early vehicles that don't rely heavily on computer systems. Mainly vehicles with carburated systems. Like the older cars and trucks, lawn equipment, and farm equipment.
So if you happen to have a bad battery there might be another one of your vehicles that may need it and it may last another 3-4 years.
Lars
Just a thought