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Car batteries are just as good these days as they were. The difference these days is the batteries have to perform under more drastic conditions than before. If all is well, the battery should last is average life of about 4 years. By drastic conditions, I mean a few things. For one, there are tighter, smaller and hotter engine compartments these days. Having very little room, companies must make a battery smaller and stronger. The lack of space and higher operating temps also heatup the battery and tend to shorten its life. Many aftermarket accessories also stress the battery and alternator. So what is the answer? You must first check if there are any components that are drawing current from the battery when the car is off. It can be a short, a light staying on ( such as the glove box, under hood or trunk light) or a poorly wired amp/radio or other accessories. Next check that the alternator is putting out enough voltage/ amps. This means you have to check the voltage at the battery terminals under load (with all the accessories on such as blower, wipers, radio/amp, etc.) It should be putting out at least 13 volts at idle. If it drops to 12.5 or less the alt may be on its way out. It also may be malfunctioning only when it is hot. (Check if the dealer tested it when it was at operating temp). The battery must also be checked. Although it has passed a load test and voltage test, it still may not be holding a charge for longer periods of time. You may want to check the fluid level ( if possible), (the fluid should be just above the cells not to top of battery case), and its specific gravity (concentration of acid). If water is low, it may be being boiled out due to overcharging ( alt/voltage reg prob), or high engine compartment temps. If the sides of the battery case are bowed out, this is a sign it may be on its way out. There are many other variables to look at, such as battery cables, connections, etc. But all the above are a good place to start.
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