Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 52
  1. #1
    Thailand Expat
    Bonecollector's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2021
    Last Online
    Today @ 06:57 PM
    Location
    Thailand
    Posts
    2,158

    How long is your car battery lasting in Thailand?

    I have had two Toyota batteries so far and both have only lasted me on average 1yr7months or about 25000-30000km.

    I charge my phone sporadically but I do have a dashcam on all the time.

    Upon the most recent battery dying way before what I presume is a fair age for it's demise, I told Toyota where to go and am now trying out a Yuasa battery which I have heard are quite good. I picked one up at B-Quik and got 500baht for my old Toyota battery.

    Any thoughts or similar experiences, I always thought and read a battery should last you minimum 3 years or nearly 50km.

    Is all of our in car tech draining batteries faster??? discuss

  2. #2
    Thailand Expat
    aging one's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    22,635
    Interesting thought. I have 2.5 years on mine now but I fear its dying. Its a sealed battery so I cant add water. Its getting weaker but charges up fine during driving. But better to be safe than sorry, I reckon in the next few weeks its time for a new one.

  3. #3
    Thailand Expat
    Bonecollector's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2021
    Last Online
    Today @ 06:57 PM
    Location
    Thailand
    Posts
    2,158
    Quote Originally Posted by aging one View Post
    Interesting thought. I have 2.5 years on mine now but I fear its dying. Its a sealed battery so I cant add water. Its getting weaker but charges up fine during driving. But better to be safe than sorry, I reckon in the next few weeks its time for a new one.
    Yea I think now most are sealed. What brand have you currently got? Any good experiences with any brands you wish you enlighten us with?

  4. #4
    Thailand Expat
    Headworx's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    Jomtien
    Posts
    7,981
    Quote Originally Posted by aging one View Post
    I have 2.5 years on mine now but I fear its dying.
    That's the typical life-span of all the cars me and the other-half have had, anywhere between 2 and 3 years. The moment you turn the key and nothing happens, then a few more turns of the key and mumbled swear words are needed to fire the engine up, it's time to change.

  5. #5
    Thailand Expat AntRobertson's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    41,562
    Trickle charger:



    You're welcome.

  6. #6
    Thailand Expat
    Headworx's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    Jomtien
    Posts
    7,981
    ^And if you live in a condo?

  7. #7
    Thailand Expat
    Bogon's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Last Online
    Today @ 09:04 PM
    Posts
    5,791
    My batteries last around 2 years. I've had a few different motors, and they all seem to last the same. I don't piss about with maintaince, just get a new one when they die.

    Does anyone have a PHEV here? I bought one a couple of months back and wonder if the battery lasts longer?
    Black diamonds? I shit 'em.

  8. #8
    Thailand Expat AntRobertson's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    41,562
    Quote Originally Posted by Headworx View Post
    And if you live in a condo?



  9. #9
    CCBW Stumpy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    Here
    Posts
    13,577
    I replaced mine in my Revo about a year or so back. The factory one lasted a surprising 4+ years. One thing to definitely check is your charging system. It might be limping by. Worth a check on the next service. Also check the cables at the battery posts, poor contacts impact charging. I find here in general the lack of use seems to kill them. In the states I drove my truck every day and batteries routinely lasted 5 years. Here its sporadic use and has at times sat for a month or more. Additionally If you keep your vehicle locked all the time, the factory alarm is always running. It can drain them. I typically leave my truck unlocked at home. No need to lock it anyway I am always here.

    I am using the Amaron Pro battery. It was recommended by a few off road guys here I know.

  10. #10
    Thailand Expat
    Shutree's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2017
    Last Online
    Yesterday @ 06:14 PM
    Location
    One heartbeat away from eternity
    Posts
    4,658
    Quote Originally Posted by Stumpy View Post
    Additionally If you keep your vehicle locked all the time, the factory alarm is always running. It can drain them. I typically leave my truck unlocked at home. No need to lock it anyway I am always here.
    What he said. Alarms will sip away at the power, especially if the vehicle isn't used every day.

    That said, my experience here is in line with others, 2 to 3 years battery life. Which I think is poor, compared to UK where it is cold half of the year and my batteries there lasted longer.

  11. #11
    Thailand Expat
    malmomike77's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2021
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    13,672
    Is this a Thai thing? i can honestly say in over 35 years of driving i have never replaced a battery, the longest i had a car was 6 years mostly 3-4 years.

    Is it just short journeys killing them?

  12. #12
    5 4 Knoll
    david44's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    At Large
    Posts
    21,084
    Quote Originally Posted by malmomike77 View Post
    Is this a Thai thing? i can honestly say in over 35 years of driving i have never replaced a battery, the longest i had a car was 6 years mostly 3-4 years.

    Is it just short journeys killing them?
    I think its to do with the heat /humidity an qualified American engineer told me. My Mercedes lasted 4 years even at -23 in central Europe here after a couple of years need a new one. I have a charger and the portable booster works fine with a car but seldom enough for truck
    Quote Originally Posted by Latindancer View Post
    I just want the chance to use a bigger porridge bowl.

  13. #13
    Thailand Expat
    Troy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Last Online
    Today @ 09:28 PM
    Location
    In the EU
    Posts
    12,213
    My battery used to last 2-3 years on the Toyota. It has lasted 5 years on the Mitsu and still strong. We disconnect when not there and starts first time as long as I've connected properly.

  14. #14
    CCBW Stumpy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    Here
    Posts
    13,577
    Typically what kills a battery is thermal cycling. Usually the deep cold starts in winter kills a cell, especially on big cubic inch or diesel engines. Sealed batteries wouldn't be affected by humidity. In general here it seems odd because you would think with the weather not going through radical temperature cycles it would last longer. Of course another thing to consider here is that AC's in cars are used typically at max cold every time you are in your vehicle. AC units are a big load on the system due to the compressor cycling on and off.

    The only other thing I can think of is the quality of product? Most the batteries I have seen are all made in Thailand. I have no idea what standards are required for materials and quality of assy. I have a local friend that has a built Dmax Isuzu and he uses the imported Optima Red top battery.

  15. #15
    Member
    Shy Guava's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Last Online
    Today @ 01:39 PM
    Posts
    326
    I haven't kept a tally of the number of lead acid batteries I have bought in Thailand but it's in the hundreds. These have been for cars/pickups, trucks and stationary engines (pumps, gensets etc). I would guess at a 2 year expected life span

    I think the humidity is definitely part of the problem. I had Thai crews working for me in Saudi and they couldn't bugger the batteries up as fast as they could at home. Biggest problem for me has been abuse - they will pull the batteries out of an engine that is running to go and jump start another engine where they have already destroyed the batteries. In the process they blow the diodes in the alternators so they now have another engine which is not charging and the cycle repeats. Overall, probably my biggest maintenance cost. Tried all sorts of remedies - mains starters, battery lockout switches, air starters, sound thrashings etc and it is usually one of the mechanics who are the worst offenders.

    Thais and electricity are not a particularly good mix.

  16. #16
    Thailand Expat
    Headworx's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    Jomtien
    Posts
    7,981
    Quote Originally Posted by Stumpy View Post
    Of course another thing to consider here is that AC's in cars are used typically at max cold every time you are in your vehicle. AC units are a big load on the system due to the compressor cycling on and off.
    You know AC compressors run off a belt that's being turned by the crankshaft right?

  17. #17
    CCBW Stumpy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    Here
    Posts
    13,577
    Quote Originally Posted by Headworx View Post
    You know AC compressors run off a belt that's being turned by the crankshaft right?
    Yes but it cycles a load when the temp is required... you know that right? Drop a volt meter on a battery when running. Cycle the AC.

  18. #18
    Thailand Expat Fondles's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    Chonburi, Thailand
    Posts
    7,861
    Currently running 3 x 120aH deep cycles in my pickup.

    Massive current draw with the stereo but 18 months in so far and they seem happy..... touch wood.

    Stereo upgrade coming which will require either a big alternator or a second.... will be adding two more batteries.

  19. #19
    Thailand Expat
    Headworx's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    Jomtien
    Posts
    7,981
    Quote Originally Posted by Stumpy View Post
    Yes but it cycles a load when the temp is required...
    I don't get it. The compressor runs entirely from the power of the pulley attached to the crankshaft, the load on the cars engine varies when the thermostat kicks the clutch in and out of course but the only thing using DC power in a car AC system is the fan motor. This is why a cars AC system will only blow hot air without the engine running. What load are you talking about?

  20. #20
    In Uranus
    bsnub's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    30,429
    Quote Originally Posted by Stumpy View Post
    I am using the Amaron Pro battery. It was recommended by a few off road guys here I know.
    I am assuming that you can not get Optima batteries in LOS? An interesting note is that Aussie Landcruiser guys are switching to lithium-ion batteries.

  21. #21
    Days Work Done! Norton's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Last Online
    Today @ 07:05 PM
    Location
    Roiet
    Posts
    34,895
    Quote Originally Posted by bsnub View Post
    I am assuming that you can not get Optima batteries in LOS?
    You assume correctly.

  22. #22
    Days Work Done! Norton's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Last Online
    Today @ 07:05 PM
    Location
    Roiet
    Posts
    34,895
    Quote Originally Posted by Shy Guava View Post
    I would guess at a 2 year expected life span
    My experience same. On average.

  23. #23
    Thailand Expat Fondles's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    Chonburi, Thailand
    Posts
    7,861
    Quote Originally Posted by bsnub View Post
    I am assuming that you can not get Optima batteries in LOS? An interesting note is that Aussie Landcruiser guys are switching to lithium-ion batteries.
    Quote Originally Posted by Norton View Post
    You assume correctly.
    Available but expensive.

  24. #24
    Thailand Expat
    Bonecollector's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2021
    Last Online
    Today @ 06:57 PM
    Location
    Thailand
    Posts
    2,158
    All very interesting and thanks to everyone for pitching in. It would seem that I was right to dump Toyota's 'genuine' battery and at least try another brand. I have now dump Toyota's own brand for the windscreen wipers, aircon filter and wiper fluid. I assume these types of products are just a big cash cow they can slap the brand name on but actually make an inferior product in a shitty Chinese factory. Brakes are in need of replacing so I am not sure where to go with that one. My local B-Quik is offering a good deal on Bentix brakes right now so I might be temped but to be honest my Toyota brakes, which came with the car, have lasted me 92000KM.

    Once again thanks for everyone's point of view and knowledge, greatly appreciated. If you are willing to chime in once more with what brand of battery you all have in LOS, that would definitely be a positive for this thread.

  25. #25
    Thailand Expat Fondles's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    Chonburi, Thailand
    Posts
    7,861
    Quote Originally Posted by Bonecollector View Post
    All very interesting and thanks to everyone for pitching in. It would seem that I was right to dump Toyota's 'genuine' battery and at least try another brand. I have now dump Toyota's own brand for the windscreen wipers, aircon filter and wiper fluid. I assume these types of products are just a big cash cow they can slap the brand name on but actually make an inferior product in a shitty Chinese factory. Brakes are in need of replacing so I am not sure where to go with that one. My local B-Quik is offering a good deal on Bentix brakes right now so I might be temped but to be honest my Toyota brakes, which came with the car, have lasted me 92000KM.

    Once again thanks for everyone's point of view and knowledge, greatly appreciated. If you are willing to chime in once more with what brand of battery you all have in LOS, that would definitely be a positive for this thread.
    My Ranger had less than 200km on it when I swapped out the OEM pads and shoes for EBC ones.

    OEM are budget shit.

Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •