2000 V70 battery question

[falconbrother]

We have owned our 2000 V70 base model for 5+ years. We bought it used (obviously) and it had a new Volvo brand battery in it at the time of purchase. How long can I expect that battery to last? My wife is going out of town in that car from time to time and I can't have her breaking down.

I keep the car maintained myself. Last month I replaced the radiator and today I replaced the thermostat and did a drain and fill (3309 compliant, Castrol transmax) on the transmission. It's a good car and my wife enjoys it. I also have the parts to rebuild much of the AC system. I was going to do it in the spring but I put some stop leak in there and it has worked all summer.

[Ozark Lee]

A battery in North Carolina probably has a better lifespan than one in say, Chicago or Buffalo but that said it is getting a bit long in the tooth at 5 years. The bummer is that Volvo doesn't sell batteries anymore which is too bad, they were good batteries and they were priced very right. I'm not sure who actually made them but they were cheaper than Wal Mart.

...Lee

[JRL]

Of course Volvo sells batteries for one thing
5 years is enough, so plan on a new one soon.
Make SURE you also check the cables, (B+ and positive) they go bad and when one does the same result happens, a no start one day

[Ozark Lee]

Of course Volvo sells batteries for one thing

That is interesting, my stealership just sells Interstates (Good batteries but they are expensive) and they told me that there is no Volvo branded battery anymore. Good to know but I suppose with freight it doesn't make sense for me to buy one mail order.

...Lee

[scot850]

When I worked in the parts department of a Volvo dealer a couple of years ago, the batteries they sold were re-badged Interstate batteries. These are usually good batteries. Living up here in Canada, in our area we can get temperatures in the winter of below -40 C and over +30 C in summer. So batteries here get it rough. I once pulled an Interstate battery from a 760 Turbo that was over 8 years old. It still held a good charge, but I didn't want to push it. We also had an Audi A4 that the battery was 8 years old, and if the dealer had actually checked it as they claimed on the service reports, it may have lasted longer.

The last battery I bought was directly from Interstate, as it was about the same price as from Volvo, but has 800 cranking amps, v's the dealer version at 650. Also they have a much better warranty than Volvo.

As JRL says, your cars' battery is at least 5 years old, so if you are worried about it change it. I think like you and I always try to ensure my wife's car is always reliable and don't take chances, particularly with the winters we get.

Neil.

[abscate]

For about the same price as a battery +- you can buy a good jump starter pack and inflator for the trunk which will cover her for a discharged battery and a slow leak flat. We have one from Black and Decker which goes into any car which goes on a trip > 4 hours away or into the twigs

[SpeedyPete]

Batteries- Well if you by a new one from Pep Boys or Oriely it doesn't matter 2,3,5 year expect to get about 12 to 20 months of life out of them and then you will experience a wonderful no- lights,camera,action,start symptom even after you had no problems for the quick short trip down to the liquor store. The good news is they will replace/exchange them free of charge or give you your money back. I am on my 5th battery now it is the 800 cranking amp 3 year version and I wonder how long this one is going to last. The last batteries life span was 14 months before the hot days in San Diego killed it. Typical battery plates flaking and shorting the cells. However I have had better success with Costco Batteries. Those are in my 2 trucks. I have also had Interstate batteries in my trucks but the Costco batteries have been better in my experience. The quick jump pack is a good idea for your wife also good road service insurance. I have both as my daughter now drives the S70 and I am a long ways away. Peace of mind is worth big bucks to me. Good Luck! SpeedyPete

[rmmagow]

I have been having good luck with the AutoZone batteries. I bought one for my truck, one for my son's Saturn and a monster group 49 for my Mercedes. The one for the MB was bought last winter and it started the car fine at 5F. Truck is on year three and zero issues for a battery that may sit for a moth or two without being used. Not dirt cheap by any means, but reasonably priced and a decent warranty. The battery in my V70 is older than dirt but still works so....

[polskamafia mjl]

I had a similar issue with getting a battery at my local dealer. They had to special order a Volvo battery for me because I didn't want to go with an Interstate.