mhm993

This question is for my boxster, but that board is usually dead. I deep discharged my battery, and need to replace as it won't hold a charge. I see on Search that our cars take group 48 batteries and the local pep boys has that Bosch battery. But then I see a few folks who warn that group 48 batteries aren't "strong" enough for cold starting.
What's the correct answer?

Robin 993DX

Yikes, I think no one responded yet because there were too little information was given. What's the cold cranking AMP requirement on a Boxster? What the CC AMP on a group 48 battery?

I personally have used batteries from Pep Boys, Costco, just matched up the battery code with the book never had any cold cranking issues. If the car is not driven often you need to hook up a battery tender on there.

mhm993

Car is driven alot--I was just a dope and left the key in the ignition for a week. (We live in a low crime area)
I'm under the impression that pretty much all Pcars use the same battery, so the requirements should be the same as our 993's. Group 48 cranks 700 cold starting amps.

Garth S

Yes, any reasonable quality Gp 48 battery that has a CCA of 700 or better will easily spin the starter .... for that matter, a 600CCA will easily do it; however, usually in the battery game, an extra $10-20 will double the warranty period, and 'boost' the specs.

os993

I just had a discussion yesterday with my mechanic on the best battery brands out their (perhaps doesn't help you directly with your issue, but interesting nonetheless).

Bottom line is, they say that Interstate and Costco (yes Costco!!) are the best batteries out their. Napa, Die Hard, Kragen, etc.., they report, are all crap (or at least compared to the other 2 brands). Interesting.

While it's not quite as easy to find an Interstate battery, Costco batteries are easy to find. Thought I would pass this useful info along (unfortunatetly, I just bought a Sear Die-Hard a few months ago, so I'm stuck).

Bty, how old is your battery?

Robin 993DX

I try to buy everything from Costco if possible.... including my boxers.... I have Costco battery is all of our cars (except the f-car).

mhm993

30k, 4+ years old. Driven pretty regularly, even in winter.
Bosch is $89 at pepboys, and comes with the vent tube thingie.

2Many Cars

I believe the vast majority of car batteries are made by only two manufacturers - Johnson Controls and Exide. Most of the brands you see are actually made by one or the other of these two with slightly different specifications.

I too had the battery conversation with a long time mechanic who recommended Interstate. No affiliation etc.

BobbyT

Costco has a real warranty, too. No prorating the first three years, just a free replacement if the battery fails. They also carry Optima...

Cincy_Ron

Hey Marc, I replaced my original Boxster Porsche battery with the Bosch from Pep Boys 2 years ago and it's worked out fine. It's an exact fit, and costs a nice amount less than the OEM battery. I've temporarily been storing the 986 outside in the driveway for a couple months now and I haven't had any problem starting at all. And we've had some pretty cold nights around here. I'd say go for it...

mhm993

Thanks all. I'm out the door to get a group 48.