Is my car battery ok?

[chiwawa626]

The last month my car has been choking more and more when turning on. Its not a quick start as it used to be, it makes some noises and then starts. About once a week for the last month or two I feel like my battery is almost dead then if I give it enough gas the car starts up after 15 seconds of trying. The car is only 4 years old, original battery.

Is my battery dieing or is there a different problem? If so what should I expect to pay for a new battery and where should I go to get one? (Is self install feasable?)

 

[ni4ni]

My car has been doing the same. I figure it is battery.

 

[FilmCamera]

Go have the battery tested. It could be that, or there are other issues that could cause that. Having the battery tested is relatively inexpensive, and really batteries aren't all that expensive either if you do end up needing one.

Also some places will waive the testing fee if you buy a certain level of battery from them.

 

[BoomerD]

MOST places will test the battery for free...Autozone, Kragen, etc...

 

[Skeeedunt]

Originally posted by: BoomerD
MOST places will test the battery for free...Autozone, Kragen, etc...

Don't forget to change it in the parking lot so you can leave the old one with them. It's usually super easy as long as you don't drop a wrench across the terminals or something.

 

[chiwawa626]

Thanks, I'll get it tested this weekend. I figure hooking it up can't be to hard, I am more or less an EE minor...same deally just a bigger battery then in lab

 

[PG]

"...if I give it enough gas the car starts up ..."

You should not touch the gas on a fuel injected car when starting.

 

[PG]

How old are the spark plugs?
Have you done a tune up lately?
I'd check the air filter as well.