O/T car battery advice needed

The "battery low charge" warning has just appeared on my dashboard (diesel car) when I switched the engine off after a short drive. The car is starting fine, I'm not having any problems with the electrics, there's no residue on the contacts or any distortion on the casing. However, the battery does appear to be very old - possibly even the original, and the car is 10 years old, so it's probably due to be replaced. No big deal (apart from the hair-raising price!). But I'm working down in Bristol tomorrow, and won't have time to sort a replacement until the end of the week. So, basically just wondering if I'm ok to risk the drive there and back? I'm 99% sure it's the battery rather than the alternator. Any advice would be appreciated!

 

Make sure you’ve got breakdown cover

 

I certainly have. Though not even sure whether it's with RAC or AA. Suppose I should check before setting off!

 

A drive from here to Bristol should be more than enough to charge up a depleted battery. Unless it's completely FUBAR, of course.

 

Get yourself a multimeter and test it (seriously, this is the exact kind of reason I tell people to keep one in the house.)

Have you got something on (like an interior light) that could be drawing power when the ignition is off?)

Worst comes to worst I think RAC charge about £35, plus cost of battery, to come out and change for non members so it’s not a huge deal if it dies whilst you’re away from home.

 

I don't have a multimeter unfortunately. The zenith of the tools I own is one of those screwdrivers with multiple heads for different screws!

 

It will need a drop test. That will measure how quick it discharges. A multimeter will not help in that case. The alternator should output more than the rated voltage. If you do have a multimeter. You'll be able to tell the difference if you test b4 turning the engine on. And a greater voltage voltage 13v+. After turning it on. Unlikely the car would pack in during the journey.

If the Battery is over 10 yrs old. It'd be on its way out imo. A drop test will prove that, not a multimeter.

If there is a voltage leak, which will be difficult to diagnose. (no obvious signs like main lights on when ignition off) Then you'll probably have to get it looked at. I'm not an auto mechanic or auto trician.

Should get you from A to B though. As it sounds as if alternator is OK. Else you are going nowhere when battery is discharged.
Most garages if I'm right will do a droptest free of charge.

 

Best just hope I'm right about the alternator!

 

If you get to Bristol, try pop in a Garage it's a 2 minute job to check (drop test) And if battery is knackered they would normally fit a new one for free. 10-30 mins. (Some are awkward buggers. Batteries not fitter lol.) Pointless waiting till you get home if they have the correct one available. it'll still want changing.
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A typical car battery usually lasts for 3 to 5 years, but some can last up to 10 years under optimal conditions

 

If it is the original, and it very much looks like it is, it's definitely done ok.

 

Charge system can sometimes just be temperamental and could just be the short journey that threw it up.
Does it have start/stop function? That would be first thing to stop working if battery was going

 

It does, and now you mention it, I don't think it has been working. Automated headlight dip also stopped working, but I thought I must have accidentally changed the settings. Will take a look tomorrow.

 

Could be alternator brushes worn out and not outputting sufficient power to run the cars electrics, meaning the battery is doing the work. Happened to me, all the systems started to shut down over a period of a day or two. Needed new alternator and battery, both over 12 years old.

 

That really doesn't sound great .

 

Exactly the same thing happened to me several years ago. Ended up spending an extra day in Worcester.

 

Did put that, In effect in my first post.
The battery appears to be more than 10 yrs old. It may test 12v after a long run and still be knackered.

 

Just go and get a lion battery fitted, can't go wrongly.

 

Did he make it to Bristol? I can’t stand the tension!!!!

 

Yes! No problem and the warning light didn't appear when I stopped after about 50 miles. Hasn't appeared since, so I'm reasonably confident the alternator is working fine. Just crossing my fingers it'll still be ok tomorrow when I try to start it to drive home!