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MG MGF Technical - WHICH Battery?

My old battery continues to soldier on, but is certainly on its last legs :o(

Popped into Halfords yesterday, and checked out the battery selection. Two types, it appears - a standard heavy duty item (guaranteed for 3 years) and a 'calcium technology' item that looks identical, but is guaranteed for 4 years. It costs 10 quid more - worth it? Anyone have any experience???

10 quid for one extra year's guarantee seems like rather a lot of dosh, but it works out at £18.33 per year's guarantee for the standard versus £16.25 per year for the calcium battery. Hmmm...

Which one have you got Kingsley? Stefan?
Rob Bell

'Upgraded' mine to the Varta Blue Dynamic - expensive at £75 but then you don't get any better ...

Gaz
Gaz

Calcium 'technology' came into use with the low-maintenance batteries, when the grid material changed from lead-antimony to lead-calcium (to reduce gassing).
I would've thought most batteries were based on this technology now ...
In maintenance-free batteries, antimony is eliminated from the plate grids.
In the most recent batteries (I would guess the Varta battery above is in this category) are VRLA (Valve Regulated Lead-Acid) - plates are wrapped in glass microfibres and there is no 'free' acid. These may have significant weight advantages - and can deliver higher cold-cranking currents as well as lasting longer.

So, the higher the technology, the better for high-current and durability. I'd usually go for the highest technology and highest capacity. (you pays your money and you takes your choice)

Steve
Steve

Thanks guys - very helpful comments :o)

Learnt something there about battery technology Steve, but from what you've said, I'm not sure what the 'standard' Halfords batteries are based on??

Gaz, where did you get your Varta battery from?
Rob Bell

I bought a Varta from one of the local motor factors (not for the F, yet....!). I think it was Cafco, but equally could have been Allparts or Partco - I can't remember: I called all 3 and chose the cheapest.

Neil.
Neil

>>I'm not sure what the 'standard' Halfords batteries are based on??<<
If one is 'Calcium Technology' and t'other is not, then I'd guess the cheaper one uses Lead/Antimony (but why?). OK for a cheap (<30quid) short-term battery. I suspect that the original battery may be one of these cheap batteries.
I've never found Halfords to be that cheap on batteries. On my Vauxhall, the dealer was cheaper (!) - and fitted it; and my local motor-accessory shop was cheaper for low-tech batteries (all my son could afford at the time on his Seat).

Steve
Steve

Steve, you are quite right - Halfords 'standard' battery cost 55 quid - a good deal more than a 30 quid 'cheapie'.

Given that the battery in my F is the same one as it supplied with nearly 7 years ago, I think I may go and ask how much these are from my local dealership...

>>I bought a Varta from one of the local motor factors (not for the F, yet....!). I think it was Cafco, but equally could have been Allparts or Partco - I can't remember<<

Crickey - I haven't seen any of these companies around in North London. I'll check out the Yellow Pages... thanks Neil
Rob Bell

Rob,

I got mine from a company in Twickenham ... can't remember the name. Chose the Varta because it had a particularly high amp rating.

Gaz
Gaz

Rob

I got a Varta battery locally on the south coast for around 65 bucks inc. Couldn't be bothered to look around, but is seems to have been a bit of a bargin.

Stefan
Stefan Gibney

Hmm, okay the search is on.

One thing though - I need a battery with a cover for the positive terminal (a scrutineering thing) - does the Varta have this feature?

Oh, one last thing - is there a specific part number on the Varta I should be seeking out (I want a heavy duty battery suitable for the VVC model)

Cheers

Rob
Rob Bell

The Astra one does.

(motor factors in yellow pages or www.eyp.co.uk !)


Neil.
Neil

Can't remember where you live, offhand, Rob, but there's a Partco in Enfield according to EYP....

Neil.
Neil

Rob,

The Varta website says the recommended model is 550 070 033 which has a cold start ampage of 330. I was under the impression the F needed a lot more than this. I think I went for the 560 077 060 which has a cold start of 600. I'll confirm later.

Gaz
Gaz R

Fine on cold crank - but what about damp crank ?
IMO sometimes even the Amperage of a nuclear power plant won“t be enough on damp early morning start up....
Had some real tough moments during the vacation-trip up north when the Green Frog was parked outside for the night. And all this even if the ignition cables was changed just a few months ago. A look into the engine compartment showed just how damp the "F" engine can get ! A spray can of 5-56 did the trick at last, but very close to totally empty battery.
And if the voltage drops below 9 volts when cranking the ECU cuts out = sure non-starter :(

BR, Carl.
Carl Blom

Rob,
IMO the marque of the battery says nearly nothing in these days.
A good noname wwill do.
I'd only look for the high power version.

From what I heard of there are almost two 'amperage' version for the same battery dimension availiable.
Plus posiztion cover can in most cases be swapped from the old to the new if the holes are there.

Did the battery measures and some data years ago to this site. SDo may be not up to date regarding part numbers.
http://www.mgfcar.de/teile/index.htm
far below, look for the battery picture.

HTH
Dieter
Dieter K.

Thanks guys. I haven't searched for a battery yet, so all info has been gratefully recieved :o)
Rob Bell

This thread was discussed between 11/09/2002 and 15/09/2002

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