Batter problem or is this normal? 2014 M3GT

[Flag_nor_Fail]

Been a while since I’ve posted here but just wondering if my battery needs replacing based on the following...
I bought my 2014 Mazda3 GT certified pre owned from the dealership in 2017 with 60k, it’s had the same battery since & has always started up on the first push (sometimes it’s a rough startup in the cold but never fails) while holding the brakes the taillights + interior lights will dim significantly while the engine is turning over. I never thought this was normal in newer vehicles. It’s definitely a more difficult startup in the cold and I’ve never had problems with the heads up display but recently it’s been so rough it’ll come up half way, go back down then come back up all the way. I know that’s a known issue/malfunction for a lot of people but I have never noticed this during a warm startup or in my underground parking. Does this happen to anyone with the same model or is it a sign I should buy a new/stronger battery? The one I have isn’t anything special. I’ve heard optimum batteries a great. Thanks in advance!

[Diflexster12]

Definitely look at replacing the battery soon. Our Mazda's don't like a low battery!! Get a good group 35 AGM battery

[G ~ MINI]

i have gone thru 2 batteries in 9 years... they dont last for ever

[Johns 08 3 GT]

4-5 years for a car battery is about average id say.

[TheMAN]

get it recharged and tested... you should also check the electrolyte level before you recharge it... top up with distilled water only... do not fill to the brim.... there should be max level marks on the battery if it's a japanese battery, otherwise on the mexican battery, you'll have to guess... should be a couple of cm from the top

[Flag_nor_Fail]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I’ll try a couple options before buying a new one. Does anyone with a strong battery still experience taillights/interior lights dimming while the engine is starting up? I can never tell if this is still normal on newer vehicles

[Diflexster12]

I have a 2014 and had battery replaced last Nov. My interior lights dim just a bit when starting up. Should be normal

[kaboose]

I have a 2014 and had battery replaced last Nov. My interior lights dim just a bit when starting up. Should be normal

Hi I am in a market for new battery for my 2014 Mazda 3. What battery did you end up buying?

[DavidBaldwin]

There are no everlasting batteries. I've had one for six years, but I've had a second one for three years. And the manufacturer and model are the same.

[G ~ MINI]

Those 2014 + cars are getting more gadget filled which require more battery capacity.
Those keyless entry FObs , well they are always trying connect with the car and using up batt capacity.
A larger capacity battery is the solution or moving into a more expensive Lithium which have a longer runner potential (than a lead battery which dies every 3-4 years)
if you recondition them on a regular interval. Only makes sense if you own the car and dont plan on changing /upgrading your 3

Example of some of those Lithium's - antigravity https://usa.raptorracing.ca/products...44093135388966
These can get expensive. But are lighter so there a weight saving and a larger capacity and 1000 Cranking amps

My 2012 GX - no gadget - analog 2.0L only needs the 2.5 Lbs battery (480 CCA) and i save 40 lbs

[DavidBaldwin]

Lithium-ion batteries tend to have a longer life and higher capacity than traditional lead-acid batteries. The anti-gravity lithium-ion battery you mentioned is a popular choice among car enthusiasts, but the price tag is much higher. I would opt for a lithium-ion battery only because of the ability to almost double the battery capacity for the same battery size. Now that's a strong argument for me.

[G ~ MINI]

Lithium-ion batteries tend to have a longer life and higher capacity than traditional lead-acid batteries. The anti-gravity lithium-ion battery you mentioned is a popular choice among car enthusiasts, but the price tag is much higher. I would opt for a lithium-ion battery only because of the ability to almost double the battery capacity for the same battery size. Now that's a strong argument for me.

Initial cost is higher - but longer lifetime and degrade less over time.
The challenge is not paying too much for that extra capacity you may not need.

But you have to ask yourself - how much do you really need.
Maybe for cars that stay idle - maybe consider disconnecting battery terminal