Car battery problems!! What can I do?

Question

My car has numerous upgrades, gauges and lights... naturally this takes a toll on the battery!

Can anybody help me find a replacement alternator to help with this!?

Also, is the idea of two batteries ridiculous!? I guess that would only put more strain on my over worked alternator...

98 Mustang GT

Thanks!

Answer 1

First, how old is that battery? If it's more than 4 years old, think about replacing it.

Check with the auto parts stores, they may have a higher rated alternator.

Answer 2

It sounds like your alternator may be c**p.  Batteries are only good for when you're just sitting with the car not running.  If you're killing batteries while driving your car, chances are your alternator is not charing the battery properly while the engine is running.  OR, you've got a lot of drain on your battery at night while the car is just sitting and that's draining your battery on a regular basis.  If all you have is some lights and gauges, you shouldn't need a high output alternator.  Just replace it with OEM.  And again, a second battery is only good you do a lot of sitting around listening to the stereo or having all your extra lights and things on while the car is not running.  Get your alternator tested to be sure whether it's in good shape or not.  If it's bad replace it.  If it's not bad, you've got something wrong with your wiring somewhere.

Answer 3

great inexpensive wire http://www.knukonceptz.com/index.cfm

they sell good quality products at a great price.

great batteries http://www.kinetikaudio.com/default.asp

these batteries discharge fast like a cap but hold power like a battery its the best of both worlds

great alternators http://www.ohiogen.com/index.html

these guys make a lot of the sound comps. alts. and they do race car alts. and stuff and they know what they are doing. i know from personal experience that the employees that answer the phone are knowledgeable of what you are trying to put together

a second battery is good for applications in which the car will be off. if you are going to have the car on then it will only help stabilize the voltage to other components like a cap.

a second alternator and battery might be a better option

you can also go to an Alternator rebuild shop and have them build your alt up to the highest out put they can.they should be able to squeeze at least 180 out of your stock case. but if you are going thru batteries like that i think it might be something else that has a small drain. i would connect a dmm to the battery and see if it is draining with the car off. if it is then start pulling fuses until the drain stops that way you can somewhat narrow it down.