Question about used Leaf

MarcusMaximus

Looks like it.. On top of the two tyres I had to replace. Ah well, the joy of used car ownership! 😐️

JPA

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123031810#Comment_123031810

It's not complicated or expensive!

zzap64

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123030754#Comment_123030754

I had a Ring smart charger, it overheated and banged the second time I used it (that was on my brother's car so less worried about it than if it was my car ;-) ) … :-o

I replaced it with a bog standard Amazon branded one. They might help but if a cell in the 12V battery is damaged, there's not much helping that.

Also not much use if there's a failure when out and about, unless you are near a socket.

It is worth using with your 12V now though, just to get it to a proper full charge anyway and see what happens.

I wouldn't be to worried about charging when the battery is in place. That's what I've always done. You're charging with roughly 12V so that's what the electrics expect anyway. I guess the only risk is if the smart charger dies and in the process blasts out way more than 12V. That's an issue with the original Commodore 64 power supply, but hopefully not with newer things. :-D

Re AGM, I think the charging, balancing etc. voltages are the same as regular lead acid so I think that'd be fine (research it though). Replacing with a lithium 12V can be more problematic from what I’ve read, so I personally, wouldn't bother.

MarcusMaximus

Yes I know it’s neither expensive nor complicated, having changed many batteries in the past. It’s just it’s another thing in a new-to-me car.

That’s bad about the Ring but at least it didn’t affect your own Baby! I hear you about charging in-car, though that’s what I’d be worried about, i.e. the charger spiking or sending out more voltage than it should for some reason. I originally bought it for conditioning a caravan battery but that was a good few years ago now. Still, I’ll certainly consider that unless I decide to go straight for a new one.

I think lithium batteries are not so suited to colder climates from what I’ve read so I’ll probably look for an AGM. I phoned a couple of motor factors and they were only recommending the ordinary specified ones, which I’m sure would be fine too.

...Ghost...

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123032887#Comment_123032887

The lithium 12V batteries are perfectly fine in our climate, but extra cost is not worth it unless the car requires them. Go with a standard one from Halfords, or your motor factor and you won't ever have to think about it again. The car will be long sold off before needing a replacement 12V battery…..same thinking the previous owner had ☺️

MarcusMaximus

Yes I'm sure, he also didn't replace the two rear tyres though he was warned about them in a service. 🤨 Ah well, he wouldn't be alone in that!

Ok I'll keep it simple (that'd be a first!) and go with the lead-acid battery option, though I'll still look into AGM and see if it's worth it.