This is a topic that has been discussed a lot, but I would like a couple of opinions.
I have a 2019 4Runner with 15,000 miles on it. It still has the original Panasonic battery it came with which is now 5 years old. The battery tests good but in June I am going on a long road trip and wonder if I should go ahead and replace the battery as a precaution. These Panasonic batteries are known to last a long time, but I don't want to have a problem with it out in the wide-open spaces of the western USA where you can go for hours without a service center.
Any thoughts?
Thanks, Greg
I am going on a long road trip and wonder if I should go ahead and replace the battery as a precaution. These Panasonic batteries are known to last a long time, but I don't want to have a problem with it out in the wide-open spaces of the western USA where you can go for hours without a service center.
The battery industry recommends you replace a battery every 3-4 years. That said, I have 2 batteries over 6 years old that are still fine but I measure their SOC and SOH after overnight trickle charges. I mention this because my driving is 90% local and I'm not concerned about getting stranded.
This a simple call. You're concerned about having problems with a 5 year old battery - replace it. I would also recommend you purchase a portable jump starter.
since the battery tests "good" and not marginal or anything like that, and your trip is only for a month (or less), I think you'll be just fine.
I'm still running on my 9yo battery. 🙂
You live in a colder area don't you? When I was in scorching hot Georgia, we could barely make it 3 years on a battery. Now that I am in upstate new york, it is common to see those 10 year old batteries still going, but that is about the limit.
above the 49th yes. I imagine batteries dry out quicker in hot places. But that would be reflected in the battery test. If it still starts the car normally now, then it likely still will in June
Thanks for your comments. My usual driving is local as I am retired but being out on a long road trip is a different story. I'll probably go ahead and get a new battery when I get the vehicle ready for the trip. Also, I do have a portable jump starter. I wouldn't leave home without it.
Wow, I have never seen one that old still working.
The vehicle sits in the garage most of the time though, so it doesn't get stressed much. I'll have to give replacing it some thought
This make sense. Since you carry a jump starter with you any concerns about getting stranded by a bad battery should be greatly reduced. Your old battery might last for the entire trip but I personally wouldn't risk it venturing on 'roads less traveled' as in Wyoming, Colorado, etc.
I'm in Texas and it gets pretty hot here. The vehicle sits in the garage most of the time though, so it doesn't get stressed much. I'll have to give replacing it some thought.