the puwa-mobile will need a new battery soon. over the years i've bought mid-priced ones here that require maintenance and last maybe 3 years. i want to try a sealed battery (i.e., one that you don't have to add distilled water to) because i suspect it will be made better and last longer. any recommendations on particular brands or models or a price range? i', not asking where to find a battery, but for recommended brands. thanks...puwa

Boliden.

Puma battery is very good. I use them. No water needed. BUT QUITE EXPENSIVE.

http://puma.thaipuma.com/

Be sure to check your battery after having your car serviced. I never bothered, but when it died, lifted the bonnet, & <deleted> is that. Different brand to the one there before

Not sure who else could've swapped it out apart from when it was in for a service....

Never left it at a car wash.

I got this one.

http://rb-aa.bosch.com/boaa-th/Product.jsp?prod_id=310&ccat_id=10&language=en-GB&publication=1

It's from Germany, so it's better.

I bought a mainenance free battery. It lasted about the same three years. Despite it not having filler caps, I had to pry the top off of it several times in that three years to add distilled water. It was about 4,000 Bt and didn't last a single day longer than the 2,200 Bt batteries I'd been buying. Batteries just don't last here long term; same like tires.

^ right, my experience with liquid maintenance free batteries is the same. However the one I'm trying now is a solid state one; see if that's better. (Don't know yet)

Adding distilled water to a battery is really hard work........always opt for the double priced maintenance free battery and you won't get tired.

Adding distilled water to a battery is really hard work........always opt for the double priced maintenance free battery and you won't get tired.

Sound financial advice!

Adding distilled water to a battery is really hard work........always opt for the double priced maintenance free battery and you won't get tired.

Sound financial advice!

lol: yup and using even that cheap drinking water ( distilled) is a waste...

I have always used rainwater over the years even the cheapy batteries still last 2-3 years.

Use Jap 2500baht ones here..average life 2.5 years...maintenance ie checking water levels is done religiously whenever the truck is washed..every 1-12 months whether it needs it or not!! Just ordered a new truck so will wash it every day for the first 3 weeks probably....

Seriously, have used all types in boats, gel, mtce free with little eye etc...additional price over maintainable not justified in terms of durability and lifespan ...methinks . Would suggest getting the highest ampere hour you can afford and will fit in the battery bay though.

As OP is not looking for where to buy, just advice on brand, this is irrelevant to Chiang Mai. Please consider moving to motoring forum.

There is a wealth of forums and helpful people on this site if only some of you would get over your agraphopbia.

thanks everyone.

makmak, i think the word you are looking for is agoraphobia, a fear of open spaces. unless you mean i can find a good battery in northern india if i don't mind the metrosexuals.