Panasonic Battery - Es300 - 2002 Model

[prashanthchou]

I had recently purchased a used Lexus ES 300 (2002 model) from a dealer, may be 4 months ago.

Just 2 days ago, when I was trying to start the car, it didn't. I had to do around 4-5 time and then it finally started.

When I opened up the bonnet it had a Panasonic battery , not sure if its was the factory installed battery.

There was a sticker on it which says "maintenance free"

Questions:

1) What is this maintenance free mean ?

2) Can I replace the battery with any other walmart battery for my Lexus ES 300 ? or does it have to be any high power panasonic battery only ?

3) Usually how long does batteries last ?

4) Can I replace it myself or best way is to get to walmart or autozone and have it replaced there ?

5) Are there any tools or devices which will tell us the life of the battery ?

[pberku]

I had recently purchased a used Lexus ES 300 (2002 model) from a dealer, may be 4 months ago.

Just 2 days ago, when I was trying to start the car, it didn't. I had to do around 4-5 time and then it finally started.

When I opened up the bonnet it had a Panasonic battery , not sure if its was the factory installed battery.

There was a sticker on it which says "maintenance free"

Questions:

1) What is this maintenance free mean ?

- It means that you don't have to (and can't) check the water (electrolytic) level in the battery.

2) Can I replace the battery with any other walmart battery for my Lexus ES 300 ? or does it have to be any high power panasonic battery only ?

- Yes you can, as long as it is the right one for your car. Costco would be your best bet though

3) Usually how long does batteries last ?

- On the average they last about 4-5 Years

4) Can I replace it myself or best way is to get to walmart or autozone and have it replaced there ?

- Yes you can, as long as you have the right tools to disconnect the Battery cables, and the Battery Hold-Down Bracket.

5) Are there any tools or devices which will tell us the life of the battery ?

- Such Equipment can typically tell you the present state of the battery, but not how much life it has left.

Phil