![](http://www.noisymini.com/wp-content/uploads/Elise_S1/Featured_Images/Elise-battery-683x1024.jpg)
I obviously didn’t start the Elise during the few weeks I spent doing the suspension refresh. This was long enough for the battery to discharge so when I finally got it back on it’s wheels it wouldn’t start. I pulled the battery out and topped up the cells with some de-ionised water as they were very low and stuck it on charge. It eventually took some charge and did start the car but died again after a few days of being left.
Time for a new battery then. I would usually buy a Bosch/Varta battery online as they are decent and can be got for good prices online. But I was feeling impatient so went to Halfords with a trade card which makes their battery prices about the same as ordering a Bosch/Varta online. Also, as the Elise will spend longer periods not being used, there is a greater likelihood of the battery needing replacing again and if it does within the warranty it’s easy to go to Halfords and get it replaced.
Old and new 063 batteries.
![IMG_7183](https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1725/40813225020_2579c61d22_b.jpg)
Where the battery lives in the front of the Elise. The odd leaf and bits of junk that collect down there, removed.
![IMG_7185](https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1724/41923390034_f2444e2678_b.jpg)
A good coat of ACF-50 over everything down there.
![IMG_7186](https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1726/28768778228_fac75ef1a2_b.jpg)
The new battery as it came. The little plastic spacers need removing.
![IMG_7187](https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1740/41743105765_d90e02bf47_b.jpg)
![IMG_7188](https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1735/40834009960_0e2d1458c3_b.jpg)
Battery in place and clamp refitted.
![IMG_7189](https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1737/41923408814_5b8170b329_b.jpg)
Done. I will be using a CTEK charger to keep it charged over winter so this will hopefully last a good while.
![IMG_7191](https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1756/41743119205_970e2da361_b.jpg)