Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

jmonroe

stever said:

Two year anniversary for the van is coming up this weekend. Naturally the battery didn't want to crank the van thirty minutes ago heading out to the eye doc.

It's hitting the 90s here now so I bet the heat is killing it. Need to swing by Wally's and get a load test. Not sure how old it is.

Don't know about my tires but my eye pressure is good.

Tests have shown and my experience confirms that heat is a bigger killer of batteries than cold.

When I lived in SC for five years I had more trouble with batteries than when I lived in the north.

It seems like the battery gods are going to get you one way or the other but a little more with heat. With you living in the heat, I'm sure this battery failure came as no surprise.

FWIW, when I traded my '09 Genny that I bought in March of '09 for the current '15 Genny that I bought in May of '15 it had the original battery. Also, my experience with OEM batteries is that they are better than after market jobs even when I buy the better batteries.

jmonroe

carnaught

abacomike said:

berri said:

So Aba - how did you end up in So Florida instead of SoCal - trouble with navigation? Just Kidding!

Lived in NYC until I was 22 years old.  Moved to Chicago to get my Masters Degree on a fellowship.  Lived there 22 years.  Moved to Southern CA and eventually went into private schooling in the Pslm Springs area and also in the San Fernando Valley in North LA.  Moved to PA where I served as VP of a private school and then moved to FL where I went into the car business and took care of my Dad.

Been lots of places and seen lots of things.  And, no, my GPS works fine! 

Mike, you are truly the Forrest Gump of Cars and Conversations. A pleasure to have you and your stories and experiences here!

abacomike

jmonroe said:

Two year anniversary for the van is coming up this weekend. Naturally the battery didn't want to crank the van thirty minutes ago heading out to the eye doc. It's hitting the 90s here now so I bet the heat is killing it. Need to swing by Wally's and get a load test. Not sure how old it is. Don't know about my tires but my eye pressure is good.

Tests have shown and my experience confirms that heat is a bigger killer of batteries than cold. When I lived in SC for five years I had more trouble with batteries than when I lived in the north. It seems like the battery gods are going to get you one way or the other but a little more with heat. With you living in the heat, I'm sure this battery failure came as no surprise. FWIW, when I traded my '09 Genny that I bought in March of '09 for the current '15 Genny that I bought in May of '15 it had the original battery. Also, my experience with OEM batteries is that they are better than after market jobs even when I buy the better batteries. jmonroe

JM, when I lived in Palm Desert, CA, a battery in my car would last, at most, 2-1/2 years.  I lived there 7 years and replaced 3 batteries.  In the summer (late May through October) temps were 102-112 most days and by night, low to mid 90's.  The heat destroys the batteries.  Everyone had the same experiences out there.  I found Interstate batteries lasted the longest and had the best warranty.

abacomike

Got a call from my doctor just now.  They believe it is benign, but the radiologists suggested that I have a PET Scan within the next several weeks to check my organs - liver, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, intestines, etc.  the tumor is 5 cm in diameter which is pretty large.  So the doctor told me to call him in 2 weeks so he can schedule the PET Scan.  They inject a radio-isotope in my vein and the do a full body scan.  The reason for the delay is to give my kidneys time to recover Fromm the two previous tests with dyes (CT-scan and MRI).  They are trying to avoid a biopsy because of all the anti-coagulants I am currently taking - it would cause a lot of internal bleeding.

So another wait-and-see chapter in my life.

stever

Just got a load test. Voltage 12.56. CCA is 377. Should be 600.

Decided to go with Johnson Controls since they make most batteries anyway. $127 $115 installed.

Oh, and free wifi, unlike the doc' office.

stever

And it's done. Paperwork is slower than the install. Got a trainee cashier and having to get the core charge back now.

stickguy

What a waste. Should have sold the van instead!

imidazol97

stever said:

Don't know about my tires but my eye pressure is good.

Do you use nitrogen in your eyes to keep the pressure higher? LOL

I can hear the infomercials on TV and late night radio now: "Use our N_eye_trogen in your eyes
to help keep the pressure up. Call 1-800-got-eyes now and get double the number of
bottles for only a small extra shipping and handling charge. 1-800-got-eyes. 1-800-got-eyes."

"Call now. Don't settle for imposter molecules."

roadburner

jmonroe said:

Tests have shown and my experience confirms that heat is a bigger killer of batteries than cold.

When I lived in SC for five years I had more trouble with batteries than when I lived in the north.

It seems like the battery gods are going to get you one way or the other but a little more with heat. With you living in the heat, I'm sure this battery failure came as no surprise.

FWIW, when I traded my '09 Genny that I bought in March of '09 for the current '15 Genny that I bought in May of '15 it had the original battery. Also, my experience with OEM batteries is that they are better than after market jobs even when I buy the better batteries.

jmonroe

My MS3 actually had a cooling duct that ran from the intercooler scoop to the battery.That said, the longest-lived BMW battery was the one in my ti- which lasted over 10 years, even though it was mounted in the engine compartment.

stever

imidazol97 said:

Do you use nitrogen in your eyes to keep the pressure higher? LOL

Yep, they get saturated in about 78% nitrogen full time. Need some artificial HHO tears now.

(btw, per Wiki, Interstate markets automotive batteries manufactured by Johnson Controls through independent distributors).

imidazol97

I've had good experiences with Johnson Control batteries. I try to get those when I can.
Walmart did not carry the one for my leSabre with snap on vent tube so I went to
Advance Auto and found their best battery but they wouldn't install it since it's
under the backseat.

Also have bought from Autozone with internet emailed discount coupon and it
was a Johnson battery for my Cobalt when
it was getting an education over in Columbus and I did not want to take a chance
on Imid Jr. having a problem with a weak battery even though battery seemed
good, just 6 years old.

jmonroe

abacomike said:

Got a call from my doctor just now.  They believe it is benign, but the radiologists suggested that I have a PET Scan within the next several weeks to check my organs - liver, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, intestines, etc.  the tumor is 5 cm in diameter which is pretty large.  So the doctor told me to call him in 2 weeks so he can schedule the PET Scan.  They inject a radio-isotope in my vein and the do a full body scan.  The reason for the delay is to give my kidneys time to recover Fromm the two previous tests with dyes (CT-scan and MRI).  They are trying to avoid a biopsy because of all the anti-coagulants I am currently taking - it would cause a lot of internal bleeding.

So another wait-and-see chapter in my life.

That is very good news Mike. Keep up the good work.

I just want to make a request for myself and your other poster buddies...please don't link that "full body scan", OK?

jmonroe

carnaught

"That is very good news Mike. Keep up the good work."

Ditto.

nyccarguy

Great news Mike!

driver100

imidazol97 said:

stever said:

Don't know about my tires but my eye pressure is good.

Do you use nitrogen in your eyes to keep the pressure higher? LOL

I can hear the infomercials on TV and late night radio now: "Use our N_eye_trogen in your eyes
to help keep the pressure up. Call 1-800-got-eyes now and get double the number of
bottles for only a small extra shipping and handling charge. 1-800-got-eyes. 1-800-got-eyes."

"Call now. Don't settle for imposter molecules."

That is funny....however you forgot all the disclaimers which take up more time than the benefits. May cause running eyes, running nose, sinus congestion, mild forms of diarrhea, hair growth in unusual places, stomach upset, mild incoherence, minor brain dysfunction, dysentery, and could cause death. Consult with your doctor before taking.

driver100

carnaught said:

"That is very good news Mike. Keep up the good work."

Ditto.

Ditto.....Me Too!

houdini1

All this talk about different gases in tires has opened up a lot of new possibilities:

I wonder what would happen if you breathed pure nitrogen. Would your voice get high and squeaky like with helium, or would it get lower? Doesn't nitrogen have something to do with the "bends" that divers get? Or how about if you put helium in your tires. Would it make the car weigh less? Maybe the greenies would be happy if we filled our tires with carbon dioxide to get rid of some of that dangerous pollutant. Or how about carbon monoxide. You could fill your tires from your exhaust !

cdnpinhead

I wonder what would happen if you breathed pure nitrogen.

You would assume room temperature, in the best Darwinian tradition.

roadburner

Good to hear Mike!!!

thebean

driver100 said:

"That is very good news Mike. Keep up the good work." Ditto.

Ditto.....Me Too!

+1 here too.  Hoping for confirmation that the tumor is benign and everything is good.  

snakeweasel

berri said:

Huh?

Just meant that sometimes things aren't what they initially seem like in that movie clip you posted

Oh, OK. I loved that scene in that movie.

imidazol97

driver100 said:

That is funny....however you forgot all the disclaimers which take up more time than the benefits. May cause running eyes, running nose, sinus congestion, mild forms of diarrhea, hair growth in unusual places, stomach upset, mild incoherence, minor brain dysfunction, dysentery, and could cause death. Consult with your doctor before taking.

Point taken. But it's the legitimate drugs that have to put the disclaimers on. I was mimicking the late night radio type infomercials from Purity drugs, for one, that have an over the counter remedy for almost anything that can ail someone usually by taking some special version of Vitamin C or Vitamin K, usw. They have someone talking on a phone call who's supposed to come across as a medical expert.

They're not likely to help any more than the ones I could buy at Walmart with a little careful research on the net for various chemical compounds and bottle reading. Those folks don't give the alerts in case you take too much vitamin A and the bad things that can happen.

I was putting nEYEtrogen into that category.

tjc78

My Merc got 11 years out of the original battery, I didn't complain. I replaced it with Autozone's top battery. 

explorerx4

The last 100 month battery I bought from the dealer for the mustang lasted 8 years. It did a lot of just sitting there for 6 to 8 months.

abacomike

I was surprised to learn that my CLS has 2 batteries - the regular battery plus an auxiliary battery.  I think the auxiliary battery is for the stop/start function, if I am not mistaken.  Both batteries are charged by the alternator.  I believe the auxiliary battery is under or adjacent to the donut spare tire/wheel in the trunk.

stever

Guess it won't be too long until we get converted to 48 volts.

Mr_Shiftright

houdini1 said:

All this talk about different gases in tires has opened up a lot of new possibilities:

I wonder what would happen if you breathed pure nitrogen. Would your voice get high and squeaky like with helium, or would it get lower? Doesn't nitrogen have something to do with the "bends" that divers get? Or how about if you put helium in your tires. Would it make the car weigh less? Maybe the greenies would be happy if we filled our tires with carbon dioxide to get rid of some of that dangerous pollutant. Or how about carbon monoxide. You could fill your tires from your exhaust !

Basically you would suffer brain death in about 40-60 seconds I'd imagine. This presumes no oxygen in the mix whatsoever. There are actually maybe 8-10 accidental deaths per year in the US from nitrogen inhalation (like in industrial plants, food processing, etc).

verdugo

Mike, get better and keep us posted please.

graphicguy

abacomike said:

I was surprised to learn that my CLS has 2 batteries - the regular battery plus an auxiliary battery.  I think the auxiliary battery is for the stop/start function, if I am not mistaken.  Both batteries are charged by the alternator.  I believe the auxiliary battery is under or adjacent to the donut spare tire/wheel in the trunk.

Two schools of thought on auto stop/start. There's the Mercedes way, with two batteries. And, Cadillac is using what they call "ultra Capacitors" that are capable of providing lots of quick burst power for a short period of time. It works well in my CTS...as quick and as smooth smooth restarts as anything I've driven so far using start/stop.

imidazol97

The small battery for the stop/start system on my Malibu is in the trunk while the main AGM battery is under the hood. It's my understanding the small battery provides power to the systems only while the actual cranking of the restart is under way. Capacitors would do the job just as well. All that's doing is keeping the blower fan, auxiliary coolant pump, auxiliary transmission fluid pump and lights from showing lower voltage from the drain while the starter motor is engaged.

abacomike

You learn something new every day here on Edmunds forums - amazing! 

houdini1

Just saw where Toyota/Lexus won the best reliability ratings in 6 of 7 categories by Consumer Reports. Best reliability for sporty cars went to BMW 2 series.

abacomike

houdini1 said:

Just saw where Toyota/Lexus won the best reliability ratings in 6 of 7 categories by Consumer Reports. Best reliability for sporty cars went to BMW 2 series.

I don't doubt that Lexus is at the top of the food chain when it comes to reliability nor do I doubt that BMW had high reliability for sporty cars in its 2 series.  But I have always had doubts about Consumer Reports, in general.  Years ago, I used to subscribe to Consumer Reports - their magazine and their online services - but no longer.  

If you have a minute, I'll explain:

When I was a young snot (23 years old), my wife and I never bought a thing without first checking it out with what Consumer Reports had to say about a particular product we were considering purchasing.  We had just bought our first home and were picking out appliances.  Every appliance we purchased that was highly recommended by Consumer Reports failed one way or another over the next 5 years.  But, we just thought we were unlucky and continued to purchase using the recommendations listed in Consumer Reports.  I bought cars, TV's, Stereos, Washers, Dryers, Refrigerators, Radios, carpeting, etc.  But these "gremlins" seemed to continue with just about every product we bought.

Finally, when I got into my 40's, I swore off Consumer Reports.  Now, I do more widespread and detailed research from at least 3 sources, excluding CR of course.  I have been very lucky/happy with Mercedes-Benz vehicles over the past 30 years with one exception - my 2012 E350 and the fuel injectors.  I've purchased many GE appliances up until the mid 2000's when I switched to Whirlpool products.  I bought an Electrolux Vacuum cleaner (very expensive) 20 years ago and it still runs perfectly - never had to take it to the shop or have it fixed for any reason.

But as for CR, I just don't have the respect for them that I used to have. 

stever

@abacomike, me too. I got my first canoe from reading CR. It was a dog. Had I just gone to the local canoe store to begin with, I'd been better off. Back in those days, there weren't enthusiast forums to read.

abacomike

stever said:

@abacomike, me too. I got my first canoe from reading CR. It was a dog. Had I just gone to the local canoe store to begin with, I'd been better off. Back in those days, there weren't enthusiast forums to read.

Years ago, the Consumer Union (which publishes Consumer Reports) was a refreshing source for testing and researching automobiles. Then, appliances, carpeting, machinery, and just about everything for sale in the U.S. came under the scrutiny of the Consumer Union. Consumer Reports became a sort of "bible" when it came to researching products for sale, however something has happened - and I'm not quite sure what it is.

I used to read that they never accepted free products to test - in other words, they bought and paid for each and every product tested. I started to think about that more critically. Is it possible that the Consumer Union is so flush with money that they can spend millions and millions of dollars just buying new automobiles to test? Same for appliances, electronics, etc.? I wonder where all that money comes from. Certainly not from subscriptions alone. I have to believe that manufacturers provide some, if not all of the products tested. It might have been true years ago that they bought everything themselves, but now with so many models of automobiles produced worldwide, it has become an extremely expensive proposition.

I wonder it my theory is correct.?

suydam

It is true. That's why they are so stingy with letting you peek online for free. As a side note, they've always rated Whirlpool pretty highly.
That said, no one can be an expert on everything. They are most concerned with cost and reliability. I have found certain areas where they really don't rate products on the standards actual consumers are using. Overall, though, useful to consult.

houdini1

One of my gripes with CU is that most models of the appliances, tv's, etc. are no longer being made when the tests come out.

stever

Or the model numbers from Best Buy to Sears (maybe for the exact same appliance) are so different that you have trouble comparing.

andres3

abacomike said:

houdini1 said:

Just saw where Toyota/Lexus won the best reliability ratings in 6 of 7 categories by Consumer Reports. Best reliability for sporty cars went to BMW 2 series.

I don't doubt that Lexus is at the top of the food chain when it comes to reliability nor do I doubt that BMW had high reliability for sporty cars in its 2 series.  But I have always had doubts about Consumer Reports, in general.  Years ago, I used to subscribe to Consumer Reports - their magazine and their online services - but no longer.  

If you have a minute, I'll explain:

When I was a young snot (23 years old), my wife and I never bought a thing without first checking it out with what Consumer Reports had to say about a particular product we were considering purchasing.  We had just bought our first home and were picking out appliances.  Every appliance we purchased that was highly recommended by Consumer Reports failed one way or another over the next 5 years.  But, we just thought we were unlucky and continued to purchase using the recommendations listed in Consumer Reports.  I bought cars, TV's, Stereos, Washers, Dryers, Refrigerators, Radios, carpeting, etc.  But these "gremlins" seemed to continue with just about every product we bought.

Finally, when I got into my 40's, I swore off Consumer Reports.  Now, I do more widespread and detailed research from at least 3 sources, excluding CR of course.  I have been very lucky/happy with Mercedes-Benz vehicles over the past 30 years with one exception - my 2012 E350 and the fuel injectors.  I've purchased many GE appliances up until the mid 2000's when I switched to Whirlpool products.  I bought an Electrolux Vacuum cleaner (very expensive) 20 years ago and it still runs perfectly - never had to take it to the shop or have it fixed for any reason.

But as for CR, I just don't have the respect for them that I used to have. 

A highly rated product need not be the most reliable. It simply has to be "average" or better reliability to garner a recommendation. Average might not be so hot on some items. So while a car might have the best 0-60 times, if it is always in the shop, its time is infinite to reach 60 MPH, and a Prius will beat it.

andres3

houdini1 said:

One of my gripes with CU is that most models of the appliances, tv's, etc. are no longer being made when the tests come out.

I'd blame manufacturer's for that one; maybe they are wary of bad reviews and think a new model number or name will solve their issues or problems.

Example: Neon=Caliber=Dart

andres3

stever said:

Or the model numbers from Best Buy to Sears (maybe for the exact same appliance) are so different that you have trouble comparing.

They do that so that "price match" policies become useless and pointless, and impossible.

andres3

suydam said:

It is true. That's why they are so stingy with letting you peek online for free. As a side note, they've always rated Whirlpool pretty highly.
That said, no one can be an expert on everything. They are most concerned with cost and reliability. I have found certain areas where they really don't rate products on the standards actual consumers are using. Overall, though, useful to consult.

I think not accepting a manufacturer's "Ringer" for testing is the single most important factor in knowing the true quality of a product.

isellhondas

abacomike said:

You learn something new every day here on Edmunds forums - amazing! 

I have to admit that I HAVE learned a lot here. Mike, get well quick and keep the updates coming.

stickguy

I do recall reading about mattress naming. All the stores have unique names for the same mattress, so that you can't price shop. But, they have the same 1st letter for the same basic identical unit. so Sleepys sells a "sprite" but mattress giant sells it as a "sunkist"

driver100

stever said:

Or the model numbers from Best Buy to Sears (maybe for the exact same appliance) are so different that you have trouble comparing.

That's a good point, and done so you can't cross reference price. I find the reviews on amazon or on the stores site like Lowes pretty accurate. Even sites like tripadvisor are helpful, but you almost have to disregard the bottom 10% who are just constant complainers.

I find that in CR or any site if there are a number of people all with the same complaint, then that complaint is probably valid.

driver100

stickguy said:

I do recall reading about mattress naming. All the stores have unique names for the same mattress, so that you can't price shop. But, they have the same 1st letter for the same basic identical unit. so Sleepys sells a "sprite" but mattress giant sells it as a "sunkist"

I guess that makes it so you also can't demand the store matches the lowest price.

But you said you would match the lowest price and your "sprite" is really the $200 lower priced "sunkist".

fordfool

> Is it possible that the Consumer Union is so flush with money that they can spend millions and millions
> of dollars just buying new automobiles to test?

Consumer Reports buys about 40 cars each year to evaluate at their Connecticut test facility and track. A few of the cars are kept for long term testing, but the majority are quickly sold to minimize their cost. I know I would love to buy a car that the CR engineers had gone over checking every nut and bolt.

houdini1

Ever try to shop carpet on price. Impossible !!

bwia

fordfool said:

> Is it possible that the Consumer Union is so flush with money that they can spend millions and millions > of dollars just buying new automobiles to test? Consumer Reports buys about 40 cars each year to evaluate at their Connecticut test facility and track. A few of the cars are kept for long term testing, but the majority are quickly sold to minimize their cost. I know I would love to buy a car that the CR engineers had gone over checking every nut and bolt.

Sometime ago I posted a link and story about a guy who buys cars for Consumer Reports. He said all cars are purchased anonymously but on one occasion he was discovered. I am not sure if he purchased from that dealership though.

nyccarguy

Here's a sales story:

My best friend owns 2 Kosher Style Delis.  One in Stamford, CT where I live & another in Rye Brook, NY (Westchester County).  His delivery vehicles used to be Ford Econolines.  Then when gas 1st started getting expensive, he replaced the big, gas guzzling Fords with Chevy HHRs.  They were cheaper than the Ford Vans, plus (at the time) used $40 per week in gas as opposed to the $200 per week the Fords were using.  The HHRs didn't stand up well to being used as delivery vehicles.  He ditched them both within 3 years.  In 2009 he buys 2 Honda Fit Sports.  Fast forward to earlier this year when one of the Fits starts giving him some trouble.  He replaces it with another Fit.  He got a 2015 EX w/ Navigation in 2016 as a leftover.  2009 Fit #2 strands his driver last week & it's back to the dealer for another new Fit.

To be continued