On 1/21 I posted a message indicating my '03 SE battery could not start my garaged Miata after a 2-week hiatus this winter. My local dealer said that was normal considering all the things that drain the battery when not running.
I wrote to Miata USA to verify whether the dealer was accurate when indicating it was normal, as well as verify the battery's specs. Mazda replied as follows:
"Yes, it could be normal depending on one factor. I don't really know the weather conditions there, but if it's cold, this would be normal." ("Editor's" Note: I had told Mazda my garage has not gotten colder than
38F).As for the battery's specs, "I have spoken with our Product Engineers ... . They advised the battery equipped in the Mazda Miata is a gel battery. However, it's not rated in cold crank amps. The battery is rated at 32 amp hours." ("Editor's" Question: Can a battery be accurately load-tested at a local shop when I don't know the CCA rating?)
Now for the upshot: Rather than fret any further about whether a 2-week battery is "normal," I went with a trickle charge to the battery when not in use. I bought a Battery Tender Plus (see
I think of it as an IV of electrons. With its quick disconnect to the battery, I can unplug and go. As for now, there's plenty of messy slush out there, so it's waiting time until my next winter drive.
Alan '03 MiniMi, the SE