Steve in VA

I have a 2008 A5 with the original factory battery. How much longer can I expect this battery to last? I'd rather replace it before it dies and not wait until that classic morning when the car won't start! Also, what are some good aftermarket batteries that are compatible?

black2011silver

Wow! I'm surprised it lasted that long. I'd find out the ratings on it like CCA )Cold Cranking Amps) and get one a little stronger than that. Sometimes you're limited to the size and the configuration of the terminal posts. The brand shouldn't matter imo.

Jake-AudiUSAParts

Being proactive is always a good idea but, usually you can tell when your battery is getting close to death. Maybe a slight hesitation at startup or an extra crank on a cold morning are good signs that your battery is on its way out. My last battery change was due to it taking one extra crank cycle to start, I ordered a new battery that day and had it in before I went home for the day. I am like you, any sign of an issue and I jump on it. As for brand, Interstate supplies us with our Audi batteries so I went with Interstate when I changed mine out. I don't know if you can do it as a customer but I was able to get a "blemished" battery for quite a bit cheaper. It can't hurt to ask about a "blemished" battery once you get in touch with a seller or even an Interstate store (yes, they exist). Blemished batteries just have cosmetic issues, nothing mechanical or functional.

Steve in VA

Good advice. In fact, I buy batteries for my electric boat at Interstate; there's a distributor nearby that sells to consumers. I'll check them out! Thanks.

Jake-AudiUSAParts

No problem! At AudiUSAParts.com advice is always free I forgot to mention that the Interstate battery I put in my car was a champ and fired up my car with zero hesitation, even in the middle of the winter. It lasted 4 years with no change in performance before the car was totaled in a freeway accident (no injuries). I almost pulled the battery while we were cleaning out all of my junk at the tow yard, I’m sure it had a good ten more years in it!

snagitseven

Had to replace my '01 A6 battery in 5 years and replaced it in my '02 allroad in 7 years. No warning of any kind in either when it happened. One morning, the cars just wouldn't start.

James P.

It really all depends on where you live and how extreme the conditions. Really hot or cold weather will affect the battery life. In my experience, in Colorado, 4-5 years is about average.

Jake-AudiUSAParts

Definitely a good thing to keep in mind, I know I mentioned "warning signs" and normally there are signs but like you said, sometimes there are no warnings at all. Personally, if I was going on a long trip and my battery was 7-10 years old I would put serious thought into replacing it before I left town, just to be safe, otherwise I would wait for signs or wait for it to die.

snagitseven

Dead battery? If you're a member, AAA. When my last battery died, I just called AAA and they came out within an hour and installed a new one on the spot with a battery that was rated above OEM. Price was 30% less than the dealer. Fast, convenient and price competitive.

Imola Ghost

I am being proactive and just bought a new battery for my 2009 S5. I went with the Bosch from Pep Boys. 900CCA 1080CA 185min reserve capacity. 3 year free replacement.

I also found out while search for a battery that there are only three battery manufacturers. So your likely to be buying the same battery even though the sticker says something else.

The Bosch ones are made by Johnson Controls.