vauxhallviva.com

I bought a Lucas LP 015 battery for my 1256 Viva two years ago but it seems to be failing just out of guarantee!

Any thoughts or experiences in what make or type I should replace it with?

I exclusively use Varta batteries - because they are reasonably priced and I get good discount from my local stockist. I have one in our Minor for at least 10 years now and still going strong. I don't think they make one that will fit a Viva battery box perfectly but the one in our Minor should be reasonably close.

I had bought a cheaper make from the stockist for the Minor and it failed just inside guarantee, money back and invested in a Varta that was about the same size he had in the back of the store. Never looked back. I'll check which one it is before the weekend.

My Firenza has a battery cradle in the boot so can use almost any size of battery with the correct terminals. I fitted a BIG one, that's all I know....

It may be worth checking all connections including earths and the big plug on the back of the alternator just in case. If you have a 'smart' charger give it a long charge over the weekend and see what voltage it holds by Sunday morning. It should be above 13.6V if all is OK

If it's a Lucas battery from a decent supplier, it might be worth talking to them about the problem if it's "just outside" warranty, as there might be an argument that you could reasonably expect it to last longer. Can't hurt to ask, especially once you've checked that there isn't something on the car causing it.

I use Halfords batteries on both of mine, and the daily, and they've been pretty good and are well priced, especially if you know someone who has a trade card.

I use Yuesa battery 038 - still available and 320 crank amps. Same as Mini & Minor.

Tayna batteries on t'internet were very competitive on price.

I've heard good things about Tayna but not used them myself. My concern with buying a battery remotely was the hassle of sending it back if it fails within warranty.

I finally checked the Minor battery this morning. It's not a battery specifically for a Minor, just one the local suppler had in his store at the time.

Anyway it's a Varta Blue B32, equivalent to an 048. It's got the terminals the wrong way around for a Viva and looks like it might be too tall at 227 mm. But it is good and has worked very well in the Minor since January 2008.

Thanks all for your help guys.