12 replies to this topic

[delvyLV]

Hi,
I keep mini garaged and only use it once every couple of weeks in winter, I had a problem with a flat battery last week and am wondering it is possible to fit a gauge in the cab to monitor the battery's charge while driving?

It's spi 1995.

Any help would be great thanks.

[Craig89]

Google "smiths battery condition gauge" this is essentially a voltmeter giving a readout of the cars voltage, you can get loads of different voltmeters for cars (the smiths one looks the best)

[Hrimfaxi]

I check the condition of my battery with use of a cheap multi-meter when garaged - But if you want a gauge, I'd also go for Smiths, they can be had cheap enough and will fit in well with the SPI's interior. 

[Kieranlee999]

http://www.ebay.co.u...a-/321264677238

 

on ebay at the minute

[HarrysMini]

Could you not just keep it permanently connected to a trickle charger? 

 

Then when the battery is charged to maximum, it cuts off and turns on when it goes below. 

[wile e coyote]

http://www.ebay.co.u...a-/321264677238

 

on ebay at the minute

Astounding what some people will pay on fleabay - that one up to £28 just now - somewhat cheaper to buy a new one.....not quite so pretty but at least it's guaranteed to work...

 

http://www.minispare...volts.aspx|Back to shop

[HarrysMini]

 

http://www.ebay.co.u...a-/321264677238

 

on ebay at the minute

Astounding what some people will pay on fleabay - that one up to £28 just now - somewhat cheaper to buy a new one.....not quite so pretty but at least it's guaranteed to work...

 

http://www.minispare...volts.aspx|Back to shop

 

I'd rather have the new one, looks less colourful and more functional.

Edited by HarrysMini, 06 December 2013 - 12:31 PM.

[delvyLV]

Thanks folks, I ordered a trickle charger from frosts this afternoon.

[Shep76S]

Just for reference, I use a CTEK constant charger maintainer. Around 6 years old now and still going strong. I used to trash a battery in 12-18 months due to running them flat.

[megamini_jb]

Just for reference, I use a CTEK constant charger maintainer. Around 6 years old now and still going strong. I used to trash a battery in 12-18 months due to running them flat.

I been looking at purchasing one of these recently.

What so you keep it all connected to your car, and the CTEK and car battery both keep each other charged?

[Shep76S]

Yep, ctek on 24/7. Car always ready to go. Sometimes you can get them for £30 on ebay.

[Mini Manannán]

I'd put it on a trickle charger if you're only using it once a fortnight.  Batteries don't like the cold so the problem will only get worse.

[dklawson]

Our GT6 is only driven every other month or so.  We have its battery connected 24/7 to a battery-maintainer/float-charger.  That's similar to a trickle charger but is intended not to charge so much as maintain without boiling off the battery electrolyte.  I'm sure the product I use is not available in the U.K., but we use the Battery Tender, Jr.  It always has done a good job of keeping the battery ready year round.