In this thread I see I need a tester: http://priuschat.com/forums/newbie-forum/73400-weird-stuff-happening-mpgs-dropping-test-battery.html 1) Can someone tell me which brand/model tester? 2) Also I need a battery maintainer-- Again, which brand/model??- I'm confused about Battery Minder, battery tender and desulfenator-types. 3) What do I need to make a start up emergency kit? I read about lanterns and lamp cords, but really am not that technically inclined. Is there something on the market I can store in the back in case I need a quick self-start and avoid waiting for AAA? 4) Anything else I need to get? Good prices are always a plus. Thanks!
1) You don't actually need a tester. Just use a standard voltmeter or DMM. Test with the car off, and with the car off with a load (headlights on) and that's all you need. 2) You don't need a battery maintainer. If you are leaving your car sit for months, disconnect the battery. 3) Since you have AAA, you should be able to call them and get their emergency roadside kit pretty cheaply. What you carry is dependent on what you are wanting. I have some flares and those reflector triangles along with a can of tire goo. But I don't expect to use any of those. I have only ever driven in one place with no cell reception and before I enter the area (well marked, 110 miles of no exits, no service, no reception through a park) I do a thorough check as all drivers should. So I carry spare cell phone batteries. They take standard AA or AAA batteries and charge a phone through mini-usb or micro-usb. I also have the cig-lighter to 12v. I used to carry a GSM cell booster as well. So I can plug it in if I have 1 bar, get 5 bars, make my emergency phone call and wait for help to come to me. If you are more into the waiting for someone to find you instead of seeking out help, then some food/water and basic tools would be useful. In today's modern world, I don't see the point. Some new cars don't even have spare tires anymore.
You don't need a tester ... you need one of these: http://www.amazon.com/dp/product/B000O707IO?tag=priuschatcom-20 one and you won't need to bother with a tester. They're highly recommended by PC's own 'evnut'. I got one for our boat. It's already given me an extra 2 years of battery life on our Duffy electric party boat - Do NOT put price above function. These suckers are the bom. :thumb:
