I have a car battery that I think is about to give up the ghost. But as it is a fairly news battery I'd like to have it tested before I buy a new one. Are there any battery specialists in Chiang Mai?

Many. I would take it to a large tire / battery / brakes /etc service center. For example the one at Makro (old Makro on the Superhighway). I got my new battery from them last time; they can check it, and have a big choice of new batteries.

Usually tough when you think the battery is about to go bad, it is. And they will invariably find the same by testing the current under load, and/or by testing the battery fluid.

When you say 'fairly new ', how new are we talking? For some reason batteries don't last as long in Thailand as they do elsewhere. If you get close to 3 years out of a brand new one then you're doing really well. 2 years can easily happen too.

Reconditioned batteries are also common; with those you will be very lucky to get 2 years, but usually less.

I personally don't find that the no-service batteries last longer than the old types that you have to fill up once in a while with distilled water. And then there are various capacities when it comes to the load they can handle; a bigger 3 liter diesel engine requires more oomph than smaller engines.

Many. I would take it to a large tire / battery / brakes /etc service center. For example the one at Makro (old Makro on the Superhighway). I got my new battery from them last time; they can check it, and have a big choice of new batteries.

Usually tough when you think the battery is about to go bad, it is. And they will invariably find the same by testing the current under load, and/or by testing the battery fluid.

When you say 'fairly new ', how new are we talking? For some reason batteries don't last as long in Thailand as they do elsewhere. If you get close to 3 years out of a brand new one then you're doing really well. 2 years can easily happen too.

Reconditioned batteries are also common; with those you will be very lucky to get 2 years, but usually less.

I personally don't find that the no-service batteries last longer than the old types that you have to fill up once in a while with distilled water. And then there are various capacities when it comes to the load they can handle; a bigger 3 liter diesel engine requires more oomph than smaller engines.

Thanks Winnie

The battery is about a year old but I had some electrical problems that flattened the battery a few times. Now I am not sure whether it has been permanently damaged. Hence the need for a test.

I highly recomend Amnuay and just got a battery replacement from them last month. They are located almost directly opposite the old Makro on the other feeder road next to superhiway and they specialize in auto electrical repairs and they did a 'load test'....the most accurate way to test for a failed battery.

They did a deluxe instalation by removing a lot of rust and corrosion and repainting the battery tray.

I see; yes, that happened to me a couple times too. After it went flat due to leaving lights on or an electrical issue, the battery just wouldn't get back to life anymore.

Anyway, the aforementioned service center at Makro can test it easily.

(also any battery shop, usually they have a pile of battery boxes stacked outside. GS brand, BK, Yuasa and all those. )

There are many batteryshops on the street back to the city,if you leave the old Macro.

Stop and they will change your battery within 5 minutes.at halve or less the price you pay

with your original cardealer and it will last just as long(short)

I see; yes, that happened to me a couple times too. After it went flat due to leaving lights on or an electrical issue, the battery just wouldn't get back to life anymore.

Anyway, the aforementioned service center at Makro can test it easily.

(also any battery shop, usually they have a pile of battery boxes stacked outside. GS brand, BK, Yuasa and all those. )