Battery replacement experience
#1
Battery replacement experience
<center><img src="http://i9.tinypic.com/48neob8.jpg"></center><p>This was on our 986, but the same battery fits most, or all Audi's. Since the Interstate Megatron gave up after less then 2 years. My thinking was, its time to change brands. Well, after some investigating, that idea was shot in the ground. The Interstate, Sears International , and Costco are all identical. Autozone(called Schuck's Autonear us) could not, or would not see if one was in inventory so there was data for comparason. I believe the oem battery for Audi is made by Moll and or Bosch at times.
1. oem or factory battery, $125+
2. Interstate battery, $98+(prices were all over the map)
3. Sears International, $119+
4. Costco #10 battery, $62 ($5 core charge if you don't turn in your old battery, 700CCA).
The stats on the interstate, sears, and costco wer all identical(as well as in looks). My guess they are all made by exide(or the like).
I found a nice battery maintainer(Battery Tender Jr.) for the car. Posted the co. in the link, no affiliation, just satisfied customer. This co makes the maintainers for Harley D. and BMW.<ul><li><a href="http://batterystuff.com">http://batterystuff.com</a</li></ul>
1. oem or factory battery, $125+
2. Interstate battery, $98+(prices were all over the map)
3. Sears International, $119+
4. Costco #10 battery, $62 ($5 core charge if you don't turn in your old battery, 700CCA).
The stats on the interstate, sears, and costco wer all identical(as well as in looks). My guess they are all made by exide(or the like).
I found a nice battery maintainer(Battery Tender Jr.) for the car. Posted the co. in the link, no affiliation, just satisfied customer. This co makes the maintainers for Harley D. and BMW.<ul><li><a href="http://batterystuff.com">http://batterystuff.com</a</li></ul>
#4
A response....
Well, this one quit on us quite early, especially for a Megatron. In the past I've had decent luck with Interstates but this is not the 1st time issues have cropped with them. Considering the CCA is higher then the factory battery and the cost is 1/2 as much, I was willing to take some chance with a Costco unit.
Another problem was that local places that carry Interstate are not too willing to honor their warranty being that we moved from the east and purchased the battery there. Frankly, that is really no warranty in my book.
Another problem was that local places that carry Interstate are not too willing to honor their warranty being that we moved from the east and purchased the battery there. Frankly, that is really no warranty in my book.
#6
This was punched before it was installed...
Thats the problem with warranties though, they are only good if people honor them. We also had the original purchase receipt which was dated. Frankly, I take warranties with a grain of salt anymore.
#7
AudiWorld Super User
I still have original battery in my 98 ,what is the CCA and whats longest life you've seen?
I've had the car almost 4 years now and I bought it with 42k and have been wondering how much longer I can expect. I work in a shop and have seldom seen a battery go so long. I've considered putting a 48/91-6yr AC Delco(600 CCA) in it if it fails some day. The Audi battery is same size in most BMW ,some Mercedes , the Catera(Opel)and most new Chevy are switching to this size . They retail about $110. We used to sell Interstates but the prices increased and the reliablity decreased so there was no point in carrying them at that stage.
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#9
AudiWorld Expert
I changed mine at 5years - Many batteries fail without warning (you should know if you work in a
shop) so I did not want to be stranded unexpectedly - as has happened on newer cars I have owned