Need Advice On Camry Battery Test Reading

[MyFirstCamry]

Hi All,

So I went to get my tires changed on my car and they do a 15 point inspection of the car along with a battery test that is included with tires.

The gentleman comes out with a printout from their battery tester that says the battery is "good". But, asks how old the battery is. It is the original battery that came with my 07 Camry. When I ask why, he says that the battery CA's rating is 580 yet the test revealed it is at 700. I asked if the alternator was charging the battery properly and he said yes, and that is was not over charging it. He said, however, that that is a sign the battery is on its way out and said to becareful this winter as it may fail.

I did not have any issues with it last winter.

What are your thoughts? Is there any truth to any of this, or is he trying to sell me on a new battery?

[Glenn8963]

Originally Posted by MyFirstCamry

Hi All,

So I went to get my tires changed on my car and they do a 15 point inspection of the car along with a battery test that is included with tires.

The gentleman comes out with a printout from their battery tester that says the battery is "good". But, asks how old the battery is. It is the original battery that came with my 07 Camry. When I ask why, he says that the battery CA's rating is 580 yet the test revealed it is at 700. I asked if the alternator was charging the battery properly and he said yes, and that is was not over charging it. He said, however, that that is a sign the battery is on its way out and said to becareful this winter as it may fail.

I did not have any issues with it last winter.

What are your thoughts? Is there any truth to any of this, or is he trying to sell me on a new battery?

well last winter was just that...last winter....

since the battery is 5 years old, i know i'd replace it, (and i ALWAYS DO at the 5 year point) with a higher CCA capacity, and warranty.

now, there are so many batteries to choose from. me, i like the Exide brand, and Interstate.

but you just hang onto your shorts, there will be literally THOUSANDS of battery recommendations coming your way.....

"average cost" of "most good" batteries, is around $100.

[Donald E. George]

Consumer Reports recently tested car batteries. That would be a good place to start looking for a replacement. I have had a Walmart 3 year battery in my Camry for almost 2 years without a problem. The Sears Die-Hard and Interstate batteries are also ranked high. You want to go by the cold cranking [CCA]amps.I personally like a battery with removable caps for checking electrolyte level. Use only distilled water.