Popular Post Dottleshead ★ Posted March 15 Popular Post Share #1 Posted March 15 Well after I just spent $2100 on a 100K auto service, I noticed my battery acting up. I think it's a Les Schwab and had another 1.5 years left on the warranty. But I'm tired of Les and wanted to go with an Interstate battery from Costco and put it in myself. That was about $130. It was a 4 minute job as soon as I found my socket required for the job. That was a whole 'nother story. So once I installed my battery I took the old one back to Costco to get my $15 rebate. I like this policy. That's enough incentive for me not to throw the old one in a pond somewhere. When I get back out to the car in the parking lot, it fails to start. So I get out and check the battery and sure enough the positive connection is loose. Not my fault. The battery connector itself is corroded and as such it's very hard to get in there (even with socket wrench) and tighten so I decided to call my mechanic and have him replace the connectors. I figure at this point, I've dumped enough money into the refresh that I might as well go all the way and have get a new battery and clean connections. He's going to do it for $50. I think that's totally reasonable. Oh and also replaced my cracked windshield which was another $330. So I have put some update money into this car. I did so because I thought if I ever get laid off, it'll be nice to have a car serviced and not have it break down when I can't afford the repairs. Also, because even if the job resurrects itself, it's a Toyota with just under a 100K and I plan on keeping it another 200K. Cars seem to like attention and my money, but in exchange, they usually treat me right. I'm into preventive care. Anyway, I'm off to get some new battery connections installed. The end. 4 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randomguy Posted March 15 Share #2 Posted March 15 Toyota what? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted March 15 Author Share #3 Posted March 15 5 minutes ago, Randomguy said: Toyota what? Avalon. 20+ year old technology. 6 cylinder. Gas guzzler. 100% paid for. And lot of fun to drive. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bikeman564™ Posted March 15 Share #4 Posted March 15 6 minutes ago, Randomguy said: Toyota what? what ain't no car I ever heard of 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
12string Posted March 15 Share #5 Posted March 15 Toyota Avaloan to keep it running? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted March 15 Author Share #6 Posted March 15 8 minutes ago, 12string said: Toyota Avaloan to keep it running? Meh new timing belt and plugs is where most of the expense went. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Razors Edge ★ Posted March 15 Share #7 Posted March 15 22 minutes ago, Dottleshead said: Oh and also replaced my cracked windshield which was another $330. Isn't that an insurance covered item usually? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dinneR ★ Posted March 15 Share #8 Posted March 15 54 minutes ago, Razors Edge said: Isn't that an insurance covered item usually? Not everywhere. Depends on the state. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dinneR ★ Posted March 15 Share #9 Posted March 15 1 hour ago, Dottleshead said: Well after I just spent $2100 on a 100K auto service, I noticed my battery acting up. I think it's a Les Schwab and had another 1.5 years left on the warranty. But I'm tired of Les and wanted to go with an Interstate battery from Costco and put it in myself. That was about $130. It was a 4 minute job as soon as I found my socket required for the job. That was a whole 'nother story. So once I installed my battery I took the old one back to Costco to get my $15 rebate. I like this policy. That's enough incentive for me not to throw the old one in a pond somewhere. When I get back out to the car in the parking lot, it fails to start. So I get out and check the battery and sure enough the positive connection is loose. Not my fault. The battery connector itself is corroded and as such it's very hard to get in there (even with socket wrench) and tighten so I decided to call my mechanic and have him replace the connectors. I figure at this point, I've dumped enough money into the refresh that I might as well go all the way and have get a new battery and clean connections. He's going to do it for $50. I think that's totally reasonable. Oh and also replaced my cracked windshield which was another $330. So I have put some update money into this car. I did so because I thought if I ever get laid off, it'll be nice to have a car serviced and not have it break down when I can't afford the repairs. Also, because even if the job resurrects itself, it's a Toyota with just under a 100K and I plan on keeping it another 200K. Cars seem to like attention and my money but in exchange, they usually treat me right. I'm into preventive care. Anyway, I'm off to get some new battery connections installed. The end. If you just hooked up the batter and the connection is loose? Whose fault is it if not yours? Neighbor kid? $330 seems cheap for a new windshield. Are you sure it's glass and not some plastic wrap? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted March 15 Author Share #10 Posted March 15 1 hour ago, Razors Edge said: Isn't that an insurance covered item usually? No. It's an old car and I don't have full insurance on it. These kind of expenses come out of pocket unfortunately. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted March 15 Author Share #11 Posted March 15 10 minutes ago, dinneR said: If you just hooked up the batter and the connection is loose? Whose fault is it if not yours? Neighbor kid? The connector was corroded. As my mechanic said, "It was time.". I didn't have his professional tools but even those didn't work. Those parts wear out -- especially on a 20 year old car. The new one is better design and much easier to access. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted March 15 Author Share #12 Posted March 15 16 minutes ago, dinneR said: $330 seems cheap for a new windshield. Are you sure it's glass and not some plastic wrap? I got two quotes. One came in at $340 and the other at $300. The lesser one was a mile from my house. Small one man shop who has been doing it for 20 years. The reviews were good so I went for it. I'll find out how good it really is within a couple years I suppose. He did like it when I paid him cash. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dinneR ★ Posted March 15 Share #13 Posted March 15 6 minutes ago, Dottleshead said: The connector was corroded. As my mechanic said, "It was time.". I didn't have his professional tools but even those didn't work. Those parts wear out -- especially on a 20 year old car. The new one is better design and much easier to access. You don't clean them? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted March 15 Author Share #14 Posted March 15 3 minutes ago, dinneR said: You don't clean them? I haven't, no. Not since I inherited this car. It never occurred to me really but now that I've invested in it, I'll get one of those magic spray dispensers. What do you use? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JerrySTL ★ Posted March 15 Share #15 Posted March 15 1 hour ago, Dottleshead said: Well after I just spent $2100 on a 100K auto service I just checked my minivan which just went over 100K miles. I'm all caught up on maintenance except for spark plugs. I was going to do it myself until I read the instructions and watched a YouTube video. For starters you must remove the air filter housing and intake manifold. Plus after the plugs have been in the engine for 100K miles, there's the possibility of breaking one off. I scheduled an appointment for March 25th. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JerrySTL ★ Posted March 15 Share #16 Posted March 15 5 minutes ago, Dottleshead said: I haven't, no. Not since I inherited this car. It never occurred to me really but now that I've invested in it, I'll get one of those magic spray dispensers. What do you use? For the green fuzz stuff, a can of Coke Cola works. A paste made of baking soda works better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dinneR ★ Posted March 15 Share #17 Posted March 15 5 minutes ago, Dottleshead said: I haven't, no. Not since I inherited this car. It never occurred to me really but now that I've invested in it, I'll get one of those magic spray dispensers. What do you use? Baking soda and water. Takes about a minute. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted March 15 Author Share #18 Posted March 15 5 minutes ago, JerrySTL said: I just checked my minivan which just went over 100K miles. I'm all caught up on maintenance except for spark plugs. I was going to do it myself until I read the instructions and watched a YouTube video. For starters you must remove the air filter housing and intake manifold. Plus after the plugs have been in the engine for 100K miles, there's the possibility of breaking one off. I scheduled an appointment for March 25th. I did the same! Ultimately I decided my lack of experience and ambition probably would cause more damage than the money I was trying to save. I feel pretty good now. That car should be up to date for the next 100K. I hope? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted March 15 Author Share #19 Posted March 15 2 minutes ago, dinneR said: Baking soda and water. Takes about a minute. My mechanic used something like this: https://www.amazon.com/battery-terminal-protector-spray/s?k=battery+terminal+protector+spray Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JerrySTL ★ Posted March 15 Share #20 Posted March 15 6 minutes ago, Dottleshead said: My mechanic used something like this: https://www.amazon.com/battery-terminal-protector-spray/s?k=battery+terminal+protector+spray I've used the CRC stuff in the red can on that page. You want to clean the terminals before using it. WoJSTL's old PC Cruiser had the positive battery cable rot through. It looked like an octopus with wires going all over the place. It was quite difficult to replace. Nothing like the old days where the positive cable went to the starter solenoid and from there a few other places. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted March 15 Author Share #21 Posted March 15 13 minutes ago, JerrySTL said: For the green fuzz stuff, a can of Coke Cola works. A paste made of baking soda works better. 13 minutes ago, dinneR said: Baking soda and water. Takes about a minute. Seems cheaper than the Amazon spray. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted March 15 Author Share #22 Posted March 15 5 minutes ago, JerrySTL said: Nothing like the old days where the positive cable went to the starter solenoid and from there a few other places. That's what my mechanic said. He used to work on car electronics earlier in his career. It used to be batteries lasted a lifetime because they just had to turn over the starter. Now they have to supply all kinds of devices -- some which he said ran 40 minutes after the car shutdown. He told me new batteries should be expected to last 5 or 6 years. My Les Schwab one made it 3.5. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JerrySTL ★ Posted March 15 Share #23 Posted March 15 1 minute ago, Dottleshead said: That's what my mechanic said. He used to work on car electronics earlier in his career. It used to be batteries lasted a lifetime because they just had to turn over the starter. Now they have to supply all kinds of devices -- some which he said ran 40 minutes after the car shutdown. He told me new batteries should be expected to last 5 or 6 years. My Les Schwab one made it 3.5. My Chrysler Town & Country has a hard drive in the dash that I can hear spinning many minutes after shutdown. I figure 4 years is good for modern car batteries. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Square Wheels Posted March 15 Share #24 Posted March 15 2 hours ago, Dottleshead said: Oh and also replaced my cracked windshield which was another $330. I'm having mine replaced on Monday. $2,462.68 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dinneR ★ Posted March 15 Share #25 Posted March 15 1 minute ago, JerrySTL said: My Chrysler Town & Country has a hard drive in the dash that I can hear spinning many minutes after shutdown. I figure 4 years is good for modern car batteries. 4 minutes ago, Dottleshead said: That's what my mechanic said. He used to work on car electronics earlier in his career. It used to be batteries lasted a lifetime because they just had to turn over the starter. Now they have to supply all kinds of devices -- some which he said ran 40 minutes after the car shutdown. He told me new batteries should be expected to last 5 or 6 years. My Les Schwab one made it 3.5. I expect three years. Remember when DieHards had a lifetime warranty? Now it's two years. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dinneR ★ Posted March 15 Share #26 Posted March 15 1 minute ago, Square Wheels said: I'm having mine replaced on Monday. $2,462.68 You should take it to Dottle's guy and offer $300 cash. 2 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted March 15 Author Share #27 Posted March 15 1 minute ago, Square Wheels said: I'm having mine replaced on Monday. $2,462.68 That's because you have a schmancy-pancy car. Probably a unique design and even if it is not, they figure if you can afford this car than you can afford this windshield. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Square Wheels Posted March 15 Share #28 Posted March 15 Just now, Dottleshead said: That's because you have a schmancy-pancy car. Probably a unique design and even if it is not, they figure if you can afford this car than you can afford this windshield. or, better yet, my insurance will pay for it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted March 15 Author Share #29 Posted March 15 1 minute ago, dinneR said: I expect three years. Remember when DieHards had a lifetime warranty? Now it's two years. I do! Unfortunately that standard is incorrectly etched into my brain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted March 15 Author Share #30 Posted March 15 Just now, Square Wheels said: or, better yet, my insurance will pay for it. Ha! Good move. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted March 15 Author Share #31 Posted March 15 This is a pretty good article. It tells you why there is corrosion in the first place and the methods to clean it. https://www.autozone.com/diy/battery/clean-car-battery-corrosion Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted March 15 Author Share #32 Posted March 15 How often should you clean your battery terminals? It's important to remove any corrosion that builds up on your battery terminals at least once or twice a year to help your car battery stay fully charged and ready to perform its job. By regularly maintaining your car battery, you ensure that starting the car will go without a hitch. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
12string Posted March 15 Share #33 Posted March 15 34 minutes ago, dinneR said: I expect three years. Remember when DieHards had a lifetime warranty? Now it's two years. When you read the fine print on that warranty - it really wasn't a warranty. I don't ever remember batteries lasting forever. 3-4 years tops. Now the technology and manufacturing is better, even with the stuff that runs with the car off, 5-6 years is common. (If you clean the terminlas) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted March 15 Author Share #34 Posted March 15 My mechanic said Interstate batteries were some of the best. Said they cost a little more. Costco does sell them. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Square Wheels Posted March 15 Share #35 Posted March 15 51 minutes ago, Dottleshead said: How often should you clean your battery terminals? It's important to remove any corrosion that builds up on your battery terminals at least once or twice a year to help your car battery stay fully charged and ready to perform its job. By regularly maintaining your car battery, you ensure that starting the car will go without a hitch. I have no idea where my battery is, somewhere in the trunk. I have never cleaned the terminals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheep_herder ★ Posted March 15 Share #36 Posted March 15 1 hour ago, Square Wheels said: I'm having mine replaced on Monday. $2,462.68 OEM for the 2009 VW Jetta Sportwagen was $520 a few months ago with insurance. I go OEM now as the others don't seem to last as long as the originals. Broken windshields are common here with gravel roads, even when driving on pavement. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Square Wheels Posted March 15 Share #37 Posted March 15 4 minutes ago, sheep_herder said: OEM for the 2009 VW Jetta Sportwagen was $520 a few months ago with insurance. I go OEM now as the others don't seem to last as long as the originals. Broken windshields are common here with gravel roads, even when driving on pavement. My insurance sends replacements to Safelight. Safelight let me go to BMW. Safelight wanted about 1k, BMW wanted 2.5k. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted March 15 Author Share #38 Posted March 15 11 minutes ago, Square Wheels said: I have no idea where my battery is, somewhere in the trunk. I have never cleaned the terminals. It is an out of sight out of mind thing. Just try to remember to have them clean it once a year when you take it into the shop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheep_herder ★ Posted March 15 Share #39 Posted March 15 52 minutes ago, 12string said: When you read the fine print on that warranty - it really wasn't a warranty. I don't ever remember batteries lasting forever. 3-4 years tops. Now the technology and manufacturing is better, even with the stuff that runs with the car off, 5-6 years is common. (If you clean the terminlas) I had a Firestone for a while that had a lifetime warranty. Worked for several new batteries, but then I moved and the locals did not want to honor the warranty. Not for sure they even make them anymore. It seems to be a crapshoot when purchasing batteries any longer, as different companies manufacture for the battery companies, and they change overtime. Batteries sold by Caterpillar seem to be one of the best here, but you need to know the size and specs you need. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kzoo Posted March 15 Share #40 Posted March 15 1 hour ago, Square Wheels said: or, better yet, my insurance will pay for it. I was going to say, don't you guys have glass coverage on your insurance policy? Mine is a $200 deductible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheep_herder ★ Posted March 15 Share #41 Posted March 15 2 minutes ago, Kzoo said: I was going to say, don't you guys have glass coverage on your insurance policy? Mine is a $200 deductible. The jeep and ram have been totaled due to hail damage, but I keep comprehensive on the VW for potential hail damage and windshields. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted March 15 Author Share #42 Posted March 15 2 minutes ago, sheep_herder said: I had a Firestone for a while that had a lifetime warranty. Worked for several new batteries, but then I moved and the locals did not want to honor the warranty. Not for sure they even make them anymore. It seems to be a crapshoot when purchasing batteries any longer, as different companies manufacture for the battery companies, and they change overtime. Batteries sold by Caterpillar seem to be one of the best here, but you need to know the size and specs you need. If you have a QR app on your smart phone, it's possible to scan the code at Costco and punch in your car make, model, and year and it will tell you immediately what battery size you need for your car. I found the whole Costco experience to be very easy. They charge you $15 extra which they will return to you on replacement. It's a good incentive for you to take the old one back and have it disposed of correctly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted March 15 Author Share #43 Posted March 15 3 minutes ago, sheep_herder said: The jeep and ram have been totaled due to hail damage, but I keep comprehensive on the VW for potential hail damage and windshields. My 22 year old car can't get comprehensive if I recall or it was cost prohibitive. I just own liability on it. Usually not a problem. Replacing that windshield was much cheaper than buying up for a comprehensive plan -- if they even offered it. but for our 2020 RAV4 we absolutely have comprehensive insurance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheep_herder ★ Posted March 15 Share #44 Posted March 15 1 minute ago, Dottleshead said: If you have a QR app on your smart phone, it's possible to scan the code at Costco and punch in your car make, model, and year and it will tell you immediately what battery size you need for your car. I found the whole Costco experience to be very easy. They charge you $15 extra which they will return to you on replacement. It's a good incentive for you to take the old one back and have it disposed of correctly. Maybe, but I don't like Interstate any longer, and we do not shop at COSTCO that is 150 miles west of us. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dinneR ★ Posted March 15 Share #45 Posted March 15 1 hour ago, Kzoo said: I was going to say, don't you guys have glass coverage on your insurance policy? Mine is a $200 deductible. I don't know anyone in WY that has glass coverage. Most companies do not offer it. You see a lot of cracked windshields here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Longjohn ★ Posted March 15 Share #46 Posted March 15 3 hours ago, Dottleshead said: He did like it when I paid him cash Did you make sure the ink was dry before you gave it to him? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Square Wheels Posted March 15 Share #47 Posted March 15 1 hour ago, Kzoo said: I was going to say, don't you guys have glass coverage on your insurance policy? Mine is a $200 deductible. I'm lucky, it's $0 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted March 15 Author Share #48 Posted March 15 1 hour ago, Square Wheels said: I'm lucky, it's $0 I'm guessing with your premiums you already paid for it multiple times over? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Square Wheels Posted March 16 Share #49 Posted March 16 14 hours ago, Dottleshead said: I'm guessing with your premiums you already paid for it multiple times over? My car is 1460 a year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted March 16 Author Share #50 Posted March 16 6 hours ago, Square Wheels said: My car is 1460 a year. That seems really, really good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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