More than a coincidence?

[DetailMouse]

My car's been in the garage today, a minor thing dealt with under the warranty, the car is less than 6 months old.

When I've got it back it's telling me the key needs a new battery.

Now, it does seem a little far fetched to think someone might have a sideline in taking almost new batteries out of car keys, but surely it should last more than 6 months (and 3000 miles) and it's quite a coincidence that the warning appeared while it was in the garage? It wasn't there this morning.

How long should a car key battery last?

Batteries are so cheap, why would they want to go to the effort of replacing yours with a low battery? I’ve had batteries that have lasted less than that. Just buy a strip of them and keep them in the car.

@Qwill car key batteries aren't usually standard batteries - I was quoted a couple of hundred quid the last time I needed one

@DetailMouse - it wouldn't be the strangest thing - always an element of truth in a coincidence 😬

[quote Sausagerollandrock]@Qwill car key batteries aren't usually standard batteries - I was quoted a couple of hundred quid the last time I needed one

@DetailMouse - it wouldn't be the strangest thing - always an element of truth in a coincidence 😬[/quote]
My car key takes a normal battery that you can buy for a couple of ££. What kind of battery costs £200?

My car is over two years old and hs the same key batteries it arrived with when new.

My car key batteries took me a few minutes to change and cost a few pounds on amazon. They were the flat watch type batteries if I remember correctly.

I know, I did say it was far fetched, but it is surely unusual for it to have failed at only 6 months old and in the hour and a half that the the garage had the car?

Perhaps the technician needed a new battery for his own car and mine was convenient?

What?! What car do you have? I bought the flat ones off Amazon for a few quid!! That’s ridiculous, what type are the batteries?

My cars 11 years old and I've never changed the key fob batteries....

My last one lasted three years (bmw) and they replaced it for free when the car had a service! Weirdly, currently new car (two months old, Land Rover) had new battery message. Got it changed again for free at the dealership! Would yours change it for free given the age?

Are the keys in a bag or somewhere packed where the buttons are constantly being pressed?

I can change the battery and it won't cost much. It's an inconvenience as much as anything, but isn't it odd that something that (according to Google) should last 3-4 years has failed after six months and in the precise hour that the key wasn't in my care!

My car key goes through batteries like nothing I have ever known. Less than 6 months per battery. Good job they are only a couple of quid for a pack

No idea @marqueses I almost dropped the phone and said I would think about it but in reality we just managed with 1 key!

car key batteries aren't usually standard batteries

Yes they are.

"Car key batteries typically last for around three to four years. So, if you’re noticing that your battery is either dying, or completely dead, it’s time to start thinking about a replacement.
Our range of replacement car key batteries at Halfords covers all of the common car brands you’re likely to find on UK roads, so we’re almost guaranteed to have a battery that’s right for you. If you already know exactly which battery you need, browse our range above. If you’re unsure as to the right car key battery for you, just speak to one of our in-store experts, who will help you find exactly what you need.
Changing a car key battery can be a little tricky, which is why we also offer a fitting service for an extra £5 charge."

www.halfords.com/motoring/car-accessories/car-key-batteries/

I was quoted a couple of hundred quid the last time I needed one

Either you have a very niche car or someone saw you coming.

My car is 20 years old and I don't think the battery in the key fob has ever been changed. How odd.

@Sausagerollandrock

No idea *@marqueses* I almost dropped the phone and said I would think about it but in reality we just managed with 1 key!

Are you sure that wasn't to repalce the key? It did cost nearly £200 when we DS lost a key

[quote Sausagerollandrock]@Qwill car key batteries aren't usually standard batteries - I was quoted a couple of hundred quid the last time I needed one

@DetailMouse - it wouldn't be the strangest thing - always an element of truth in a coincidence 😬[/quote]
I really hope you didn't pay it! It's just a standard watch battery they take. Maybe add a tenner for the mechanic to take it apart, but that's it!

6 year old car, never changed the battery, in and out of the car a dozen times 5 out of 7 days.

My car is almost three years old and both key batteries are completely fine. What kind of car is it.

Last car I didn’t change the battery at all (3yrs from new), the new one has been through 3 batteries in the last 6 months! You don’t have a Tiguan do you? I still can’t see what you think the garage did to the key to make the battery run out?

I believe (but could be wrong) it’s not just a case of replacing the battery but making sure all the electrics and IT are in synch. Of course, I could have been taken for a ride in believing this.

Also, the garage probably has a load of spare batteries, so I don’t think it would be with the hassle of swapping yours?

@Mybestyear
Nope, you just pop the top off and change it like you would a remote control.

I paid about £18 in Timpsons and they will replace the battery as often as needed forever (they give you a little card). They even said I could get the spare key done for free if I took it in within a week or so.

This works very well for me because I have a habit of locking the car at least seven times on my way into a shop (becaus🙂