Malakai

Well today my battery cooked itself... I was out and about and went to start the car and it kicked over for a fraction of a second and then nothing, everything went dead.

Low water levels in the battery was what I found.

When I topped up the water one of the cells started to boil. Disconnected the battery and it stopped.

$105 down and a new battery later and all is well again.

Moral of the story: With the days getting hotter check the water levels in your battery more often.

FAIRMONTAU2

Many batteries are semi-sealed these days. You can still prize them open though. Yes good advice. May I also suggest changing radiator coolant. I went to do it and noticed the hoses now use an unusual clamping method (not the old 6mm spanner or screwdriver anymore)!

Malakai

Your right about the coolant too, I will have a go at that on the weekend. I have had hoses spring a leak before and it has always been when it's a hot day. Usually where the clamp digs in to them a bit, they bulge out. POP!

The pressure seems to rise with the temp.

So I will add CHECK FOR DODGY HOSES to my list of things to do to prevent a breakdown over summer.

ebxr8240

Check that alternator isn't overcharging battery...

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Malakai

What voltage should it read at the battery with the engine running? Is that how I test it?

TruBlu351

Should be about 13.8-14.2 volts.

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