I just got back from the Mazda dealer where they replaced the battery in the '97 Miata. That's the third battery in three years. The car belongs to my son who's stationed in Hawaii and could only take one vehicle with him. I drive it once a week, usually about 16 miles. It does okay in the summer, but in the fall and winter (even here in Southeastern Virginia) it seems like it won't hold a charge and I have to jump start it quite frequently..
Today at the dealer's I was presented with a new idea. They suggested that with a gel cell battery, if you don't put an electrical load on the battery, the alternator just won't charge it. In other words, I could drive it a lot more and still not adequately charge the battery. So I'm supposed to drive the car with the headlights on!
Has anyone heard about this? Comments???
Jerry