07 S60.

Woke up this morning to head out for some errands and started the car. She had a hard time cranking over, (very labored) seemed as if I had let it sit with radio/lights on for a bit. There was enough crank to turn her over so I said to myself perhaps I will take it over and get a load test. Knowing the battery was low I "disabled" the daytime running lights (basically all lights on...low beams) by switching to "parking lights". Figured take a load off the alternator and throw some extra current back at the battery.

Stopped into a friends house...forgot about the parking lights which do not shut off when car is off and went inside for a bout 30 minutes. Went to restart the car and barely got one crank out of the starter and then nothing. The info center was displaying brake failure, coolant low, etc. I thought well isn't this nice. Realizing that prior to this I could tell the battery was not well and in consideration of the fact I had also let the lights drain the remaining juice out I realized its time to change the battery.

Admittedly however I am glad if it had to happen I am glad it did when it did, it was day time and warmer out as opposed to 15 fahrenheit and 10PM like Murphy's Law would suggest. I thought it seemed a bit odd for the battery to be shot but then realized the car build date was June 2006, car is a MY 2007 and who knows perhaps the battery was on the shelf at the plant for a bit. Suffice it to say it appeared original and has about 5.5 years on it.

I had bought the car not too long ago from the local dealer. I am way out of warranty mileage wise as I drive a ton but they were nice and split the cost on the battery. They load tested the system and determined battery was done, did a leak test and confirmed nothing was draining it and replaced the battery. Split the cost 50/50 with the dealer which I felt was reasonable.

Battery changes are obviously easy but I am glad I stuck the OEM route. As the battery is in the trunk and it was an integrated hole/port for the hydrogen gas vent I can now not worry about what ifs....If it was in the engine bay I would have just thrown an Interstate in it but since its a confined space and as I split the cost I am not worried.

So after this lengthy post my point is...the battery was fine yesterday and took a turn for the worst overnight (leaving lights on after a struggling turnover didn't help and it was very cold last night). If you have any question or if you are getting up there on years on your OEM then you may proactively want to look into a changeout before you are stuck in the dark and cold!