Stupid question, but is my battery dying?

[djheath]

This is a stupid question, since I think I already know the answer, but today I washed the car and had the radio on at the same time. That was until economy mode kicked in after 20 minutes or so. When I went to start the car, it wouldn't. It only very slightly chuged chuged when turning the key. So I jumped started the car from my girlfriends VW, and now all is well, but is this a sign the battery is on its last legs and I should replace it soon? The battery should have enough charge to start the car after having the radio on for 20 minutes surely!?

thanks

David.

[barryj75]

mine did the same couple of months back topped mine up with de-ionised water (99p) and put it on a slow charge and been its been great sofar! even in the very bad weather

[djheath]

Well, my question has been well and truly answered. I managed to drive to my gf's this evening with no problems, but on trying to go home the car was dead again! Jump started the car again, and noticed the negative terminal on the battery all furry and encrusted with silver powder, plus the battery is all in french so assume it's still the original one from the factory - 11 years ago! It's a sealed lead type so I cant top it up.

Looks like I'm splashing out on a new battery tomorrow then!

Thanks,

David