EJMMitchell
New Member
- Messages
- 6
I recently purchased an '08 GT, which I am generally loving, but two minor items that other owners might be able to advise on:
1) Battery life/charging issues - Battery died about a week ago - I don't use a mains conditioner (not practical). Vehicle had been driven 4 days prior on a long stint (Londoh to Bristol to London). Aside from the general chaos caused in the electrics (alarm sounding constantly, key getting locked in ignition...), problem has been resolved by jump starting, and a kindly neighbour running the car daily (breakdown occured four hours before holiday flight)...I guess my options are a) get the battery tested and then replace if found to be faulty or b) if not that then get the electrics looked at under the (independent) dealer warranty. Are there any specific electrical problems that are common? I assume the battery is the OEM (Varta) - what's the typical shelf life?
I use the car atleast once a week for a decent drive (i.e. not just a local short journey) but it's not a daily driver, should the battery be expected to function fine under those conditions? If not does anyone use or have experience with solar trickle charging? There seem to be various products on the market that are relatively good value, but do they actually work/provide enough juice?
2) Tyres - rears will need replacing in early 2012 - standard option is the Pirelli P-Zero, anyone got good/bad experiences with alternates or should I stick with the manufacturer recommendation? Continental & Bridgestone offer alternates (Sport Contact 3/Potenza RE050), not really significantly cheaper than the Pirelli though, but if they are as good as then worth considering?
Thanks for any advice.
1) Battery life/charging issues - Battery died about a week ago - I don't use a mains conditioner (not practical). Vehicle had been driven 4 days prior on a long stint (Londoh to Bristol to London). Aside from the general chaos caused in the electrics (alarm sounding constantly, key getting locked in ignition...), problem has been resolved by jump starting, and a kindly neighbour running the car daily (breakdown occured four hours before holiday flight)...I guess my options are a) get the battery tested and then replace if found to be faulty or b) if not that then get the electrics looked at under the (independent) dealer warranty. Are there any specific electrical problems that are common? I assume the battery is the OEM (Varta) - what's the typical shelf life?
I use the car atleast once a week for a decent drive (i.e. not just a local short journey) but it's not a daily driver, should the battery be expected to function fine under those conditions? If not does anyone use or have experience with solar trickle charging? There seem to be various products on the market that are relatively good value, but do they actually work/provide enough juice?
2) Tyres - rears will need replacing in early 2012 - standard option is the Pirelli P-Zero, anyone got good/bad experiences with alternates or should I stick with the manufacturer recommendation? Continental & Bridgestone offer alternates (Sport Contact 3/Potenza RE050), not really significantly cheaper than the Pirelli though, but if they are as good as then worth considering?
Thanks for any advice.