Probably a stupid question..

[Disca]

Had the battery go flat on the car the other day. It isn't an OEM battery and am not sure what the spec is for the OEM battery at present, current one is rated at 550 SAE(A) whatever that means. AA man said to replace it with a Bosch or OEM battery if it died again..?

No warnings that would point to the alternator failing and the battery tested as fine when the AA checked it after restarting the car.

Only thing I can think of is could this be caused by me running a phone charger and dash cam out of the 12v socket? They aren't plugged in while the car is off but are both in when driving.

 

[Smartbear]

That's not a large electrical drain, turning the lights/sterio on would use more current than that-you either have a tired battery that the breakdown man has diagnosed incorrectly or you have alternator issues-what's your battery voltage first thing in the morning before you start the car?

 

[Disca]

Hmm.

Not sure how one tests the battery voltage first thing in the morning, don't have a voltmeter / multimeter

AA Test on the battery measured 473 on the 550 battery which he said is not that much of a concern, would be expected like half that to replace it.

The car is in BMW on Thursday anyway to have the roof fixed so I have asked them to do a drain test at the same time.

Chances are by how it sounded yesterday when putting in the garage it isn't going to start again when I next go to turn the key!

 

[sk93]

buy one of these.. £3

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Battery-Electric-Cigarette-Lighter-Voltmeter/dp/B00B58VNZW

 

[Disca]

Ordered