Original batteries?

[garthD 0]

Just wondering how many of you are still running with your original batteries (or how long your original lasted)? My car is just about to turn 5 and I'm quite surprised that my battery is still going strong considering I live in freezing hot S. Ontario and the smart seems quite demanding on batteries. I've got 78K km on the car at present.cheersgarth

[waiting 0]

I just replaced my original battery in February 2011. The original lasted a little over 5 years which I think is reasonable (I think it works pretty hard in the Prairie winters).

[MikeT 744]

5 years in my case.

[Fred J 0]

5 years in my case.

Replaced mine only as a PM item. Was still going strong after 6 years, 120,000 km. The original OEM Banner brand has now been replaced by the Varta brand at the smart dealer. Perfect fit and an easy install. I fully expect 6 years at least out of it.OOPS Should have been in reply to #1 post. Sorry, Mike. Edited March 30, 2011 by Fred J

[Alex 21]

'06, delivered in Dec '06, 140K and counting, going strong. Will probably replace as preventive measure this fall.They do need water topped up, probably annually is OK except in extreme heat. A battery that runs dry will fail of course.

[DrZaius 5]

Mine was giving a low voltage reading or something so it was replaced under warranty within the first 2 years.

[UGo1st 0]

what do you consider a low voltage?

Mine was giving a low voltage reading or something so it was replaced under warranty within the first 2 years.

[MikeT 744]

Under 12.5 V with the engine off for a few hours is getting marginal.

[Clear View 0]

Hi I've got 235K on my original battery from fall 2005 - going to replace it this fall as a preventative measure ... any other option than buying new from the dealer ... or is a new battery from the dealer reasonably priced ... other concern is that the battery is inside the car so notice that the existing one is vented ... thanks Art

[Alex 21]

All batteries are vented, the vent for a smart must have the hose to vent outside. The maintenance free ones still have a vent of sorts, but it's more of a occasional tiny burp of pressure relief rather than something that regularly normally vents explosive gases. There are a few options, I believe the size is designated group 34R. A non-OEM battery may need a longer ground cable depending on post arrangement. That's easy, though. Optima Red Top has been raved about, but that may just be marketing hype and excitement at a new toy rather than a measurable improvement. You know about the radio code? When battery is disconnected the radio won't work until a code is entered, anti-theft measure.