Battery cover - for looks only or battery lifespan as well?

Technical discussion such as Bluetooth, Sat-Nav, iPods, tyres, brakes, all that kind of stuff.
Post Reply
767Hunter
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Jan 16, 2017 2:29 pm
I drive a: Scirocco R
In: Flash Red
With a: DSG box
Options: OE spoiler, navigation

Battery cover - for looks only or battery lifespan as well?

Post by 767Hunter »

Hi everyone,
I am a new Scirocco owner, and I've got a 2000 R (used) from someone. And I have noticed that the battey there was weak, so I installed a new one. Though, the new one also seems weak to me, since with the ignition off it allows me listening to music from my usb around 20 minutes and then shuts off. And when it's cold, the time frame is even less. And I thought that maybe I should get that battery cover in (you know, like the OE piece that was supposed to be there from the factory). Because on mine it's missing. Maybe that is the case? Or the cover is only for looks and the problem is more about some electrical stuff or wiring?
Thanks in advance!
Cuprabob
Posts: 5036
Joined: Sat Aug 07, 2010 2:31 pm
I drive a: GT 2.0 TDI 170/184
In: Rising Blue
With a: Manual box
Options: Panoramic Roof, 19" Black Luganos, Vienna Leather, Parking Sensors, DAB, Dynaudio, Bluetooth, Cruise, Folding Mirrors, Xenons
Location: S/W Scotland

Re: Battery cover - for looks only or battery lifespan as we

Post by Cuprabob »

Battery cover is just cosmetic.

Do you use your car for short journeys as that can put a lot of strain on thr battery especially in winter and if you regularly use the heated screen, heated mirrors and heated seats.

Give the battery a good charge by giving the car a good long run or connect a battery conditioner for a day.

Also, all batteries are not equal and cheaper batteries tend not to perform or last as long as a more expensive one.
767Hunter
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Jan 16, 2017 2:29 pm
I drive a: Scirocco R
In: Flash Red
With a: DSG box
Options: OE spoiler, navigation

Re: Battery cover - for looks only or battery lifespan as we

Post by 767Hunter »

Thanks, man, you answered my question! I will take a battery charger from a friend of mine and will charge it, as you said. And about the cover, I guess I will grab one (https://www.carid.com/battery-covers/), as all underhood stuff looks way neater than when all wiring's visible.
At least now I know that the problem is 100% about the battery, as having read some stuff in the internet the day before I already started to believe that that plastic piece really does something...
Last edited by 767Hunter on Mon Jan 30, 2017 8:18 am, edited 1 time in total.
Technane
Posts: 246
Joined: Fri Nov 18, 2016 9:59 am
I drive a: GT 2.0 TDI 140/150
In: Deep Black
With a: Manual box

Re: Battery cover - for looks only or battery lifespan as we

Post by Technane »

Also, age of car? I know from experience that some of the earlier FW versions of Car entertainment systems and such actually caused a battery drain, you need to update them to stop this.
767Hunter
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Jan 16, 2017 2:29 pm
I drive a: Scirocco R
In: Flash Red
With a: DSG box
Options: OE spoiler, navigation

Re: Battery cover - for looks only or battery lifespan as we

Post by 767Hunter »

Wow, thanks for the info, man... Mine is 2000....
Technane
Posts: 246
Joined: Fri Nov 18, 2016 9:59 am
I drive a: GT 2.0 TDI 140/150
In: Deep Black
With a: Manual box

Re: Battery cover - for looks only or battery lifespan as we

Post by Technane »

OOPS face palm i meant age of headunit FW, you might need VCDS to find that out.
Post Reply