I've been reading some posts to try to figure out what to do but I thought asking might be good to do as well.

I only drive my car once or twice a week and even then usually 15-20 minutes tops. A few months ago the cabin light was left on by accident and it totally drained my battery. I bought a jump charger battery and have been starting the car that way, though last time I had to leave it for 30 seconds to get the car to stay running. I took it to Honda yesterday to get it inspected and thought they'd put a new battery in but they they didn't. (The service guy on the phone said they did, but I looked at it this morning and it's the same battery + there is no charge on the bill for a new battery. I'd have asked in the shop before I left but they were hurrying me out as it was closing time.)

So my question is, do I buy a new battery or try a trickle charger, like the Battery Minder 1510? I don't have access to a garage (I park it on the street) and am a little concerned about taking it out and charging it my apartment. The last time my battery was replaced was probably 2012-2013 and from what I've read 5-6 years seems to be pretty good life span for a battery.

I was looking at this one: Bosch Premium Performance Battery Group, Size 151R https://www.pepboys.com/product/details/166230/01628
because I read a 151R would be better for a car that sits.

Thanks for any advice!

 

Just get a new battery. 5-6 years is good life to get out of one and they are one of those things that You need top performance out of.

Get whatever size came on the car and you don’t need a fancy one. It’s not sitting long enough to justify a higher cost battery like a Optima in my opinion. Do whatever you feel comfortable with.

 

New battery. It's time, like GolNat said. Spend some money and save some headaches.

 

Thanks for the advice GolNat and Mister Coffee. New battery it is and agreed, spend the money rather than have headaches.

 

I agree with the others that 5 years (60 months) is the standard and you got more. Just get another "good" quality battery from Honda or other car shop (~$100) and you'll be good. Not saying that a Walmart battery is bad but they tend to be 36-months.

As for trickle charging, it seems like overkill. You got ~9 yrs out of this battery not trickle charging.

Just get a new good quality battery and keep doing what you've been doing but don't laeve the lights on. That will eventually kill any battery.

 

Almost all batteries are made by Johnson Control, so that battery in a Honda is made at the same company as that battery at Wal-Mart.

 

That's like saying a Chevy Vega is equivalent to a Corvette because GM makes both.

There are all sorts of economics going on in everything to meet certain price points. Just saying that a 60-month battery is better than a 36-month.

I have had good luck with Deka batteries in my four (4) motorcycles that only see 3000 miles of use per yr (each) and then mostly sit in the winter.

The OP doesn't have a garage so get a good battery like they had (Honda) and get another 9 yrs of life. Nothing wrong with that option.

 

I put Honda 51R in last Fall. No more no start winter mornings.

It is fairly easy conversion. Just need a dremel or some type of grinder to pare down side of Air filter box and battery tray.