I can't believe the problems people are having with mini batteries, especially in places like CA and ATL. I have been running a mini battery from Buschur since 2007 (which I believe is an Odyssey 680 but I have never removed the decal). I live in WA which doesn't have too harsh of winters, but typically worse than CA or GA.

Obviously you won't get far running a decently powered stereo with the car off or leaving your lights on, etc. However, as long as you don't completely kill the battery repeatedly then it should hold close to a full charge for a decent amount of time - unless you got a dud.

Unfortunately I recently completely killed the battery a couple times - once when I had car problems and it had to sit, and once when I was on vacation for nearly 3 weeks. Both cases were during particularly cold weather stints up here. We'll see if I need a new one anytime soon.

BTW - if you do run into a "crap, I left my stereo on" situation but it wasn't too long, turn your car off and wait a bit. The battery may spike back enough to crank it over.

 

I live in florida and i've gone through 2 mini batteries. I drive my car for 4 days in a row then i stop driving it for 3 days and then it struggles to start my car, i think what's killing my battery the the led bulb on my alarm ?

 

Yeah got tired of trying to start the car once it sits for awhile. I live in hawaii with warm weather all the time and was still having a hard time with it. Figured wy not relocate it, and keep a big batt. Going to switch to the Miata Batt, a little smaller and still packs a punch.

^^^ what do you suggest?? want to stay 2.0

 

Yes, many members here are using the Miata battery and they said it has alot more reserve charge in it. Basically you can litsen music for 15 minutes and the battery will start the motor without having to struggle

 

2nd best thing to do.

 

buschur battery going on 3-1/2 years, its been drained totally at least 4-5 times. this winter has been really cold like always, cars been in garage since nov. i start it about once a month with no problems! no jumper box needed, and i'm on a aem ems.

 

I suppose a higher wattage LED could drain a mini battery fast enough. Not sure about 3 days, but I know there is not a lot of reserve in the minis.

BTW - are people exaggerating about the 5 min with the radio? I have a relativey beefy system and I almost killed the car once when it was on for ~1 hour.

 

I just use a BMW K1200 S motorcycle battery. my dad restores crashed motorcycles as a hobby and we had a few extra batteries laying around. I wanted to run short IC piping and decided I could do it for much less than buying a kit. I cut and welded the factory hold down to fit the new battery and havn't had an issues in well over a year. The car has only died once, and it was because it was on alignment rack for 3 hours at school with the brake pedal depressor on .