[DML] New Battery: WAS Car's use of electricty / alternator & battery question

[Jake Kamphoefner <jakekamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

All this talk about the DeLorean electricity made me want to post about my recent battery change.  While I didn't really have a problem with my existing battery, I did notice accessories were working slightly harder on the car, and perhaps it didn't crank quite as quickly.  Not remembering when the battery was last changed, I looked in my records to find that it was SEVEN years ago!  I decided it had served its purpose, and retired it.
 
Other than the obvious benefits (like quicker cranking, slightly brighter lights, etc.), I did pick up one more "fix" from the swap: my tachometer had been acting a little wacky lately when lots of accessories were on, and would often flutter about 1000 RPMs above the actual engine RPM.  Knowing that my ground connections were already clean, this was the only other indication I had to suggest a weak battery.  I'm happy to report that the new battery solved the wacky tach instantly.  I post this message not because anything here is earth-shattering news, but rather as a reminder that a weak electrical system, including the battery, can cause all kinds of weird problems.
 
So how did I get a battery to last for seven years, and it still work?  It was a Die Hard Gold, in case anyone is wondering.  -But I don't think it had anything to do with the brand name.  I attribute it to daily use (even in the winter months), a clean location (in the passenger compartment), and an automatic battery cutoff switch ( called the "Battery Buddy" ).  That kept the battery from ever completely draining and certainly prolonged its life.
 
Jake Kamphoefner
1063 --> now sporting a pretty, green Interstate battery

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