Battery Question: Honda Stream

AMERICUS

MEMBER
HONDA

Hi all,

I have a Honda Stream, 2003 with about 15,000 miles on it.

1st question: How long should a battery normally last? 2 years? 5 years?

2nd question: I went on vacation for two weeks, came back and the battery was dead. I jump started it and everything was fine. A few months later I went on vacation for 3 weeks, but had someone start the car once a week for about 5 minutes. My friend said that the 2nd or 3rd time that he tried to start it, it was dead.

Now, if I don't start the car every 2 or 3 days, the battery dies. I took it to the Honda Dealer and they checked the battery. They said it was at 70% and it was fine. One mechanic said that with all the electronics in the car, it needs to be started once a week. Another mechanic (at the same garage) said it needs to be started every 2-3 days. They also recommended unplugging the battery when I go on vacation.

So, do I just need to replace the battery? Can I put in a bigger battery?

Thanks,
Phil

2 Replies

BRUCE HUNT

MECHANIC
3,754 POSTS

Depends on the battery as they are usually engineered very well and last just beyond the warranty period. So a five year battery should last 5 to 6 years.

It should last longer than that, but with the alarms, radio, clocks, etc there is a draw. Now the size of the battery is something you have to play by ear. I would definetly go with the biggest boy out there and I would suggest staying away from the Walmart everstart batteries. I have used them and found them to be an inferior battery. Just my opinion. I use one in my boat or camper but when it comes to my car I put in a good battery from a reputable place. I do like the diehard and KMart sells that now.