Thread: What happened to your D3/D4 today?

Service at 215 k kms. 3rd gearbox oil change. Still running like a charm.
Interestingly, the second battery (SSB HVT 70LD) is cactus (<10%).
The Varta G14 is at ~90%%.
Both installed at same time. (~4 years ago)

Sound normal? Or reflection of Varta vs SSB?

Originally Posted by SimmAus

Service at [emoji6] k kms. rd gearbox oil change. Still running like a charm.
Interestingly, the second battery (SSB HVT [emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]LD) is cactus (&lt;[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]%).
The Varta G is at [emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]%.
Both installed at same time.

Sound normal? Or reflection of Varta vs SSB?

Screenshot_2025-08-25_16-54-20.jpg

Umm... I think you're asking if the Varta should outlast the SSB but I'm not entirely sure?

Originally Posted by SimmAus

Sound normal? Or reflection of Varta vs SSB?

Couldn't quite decipher all of that, but I suspect I'm in the same boat. Purchased and installed a Varta G14 and a SSB HVT 70LD in August 2023 and when I tested them two months ago the SSB was dead and wasn't able to be recovered. The batteries were removed for an engine rebuild, so I haven't sourced a replacement for the SSB yet.

Originally Posted by BradC

Screenshot_2025-08-25_16-54-20.jpg

Umm... I think you're asking if the Varta should outlast the SSB but I'm not entirely sure?

Yeah..I originally posted from the ipad, using the Aulro app...and it decided to disregard my input and put random coprolite inplace of my choice.

I've re edited from a laptop..hopefully clearer.

Yes...should the Varta Main be at 90% with the SSB at 10% after the same time?

cheers

Originally Posted by DieselLSE

Couldn't quite decipher all of that, but I suspect I'm in the same boat. Purchased and installed a Varta G14 and a SSB HVT 70LD in August 2023 and when I tested them two months ago the SSB was dead and wasn't able to be recovered. The batteries were removed for an engine rebuild, so I haven't sourced a replacement for the SSB yet.

correct...I am thinking if the SSB was a great choice, or it supported the Varta? I recall a few others also "having life span issues" with SSB...which is a pity as this battery with 85AH / size is a great alternative to the also problematic Optima Yellow top.

Originally Posted by SimmAus

Service at 215 k kms. 3rd gearbox oil change. Still running like a charm.
Interestingly, the second battery (SSB HVT 70LD) is cactus (<10%).
The Varta G14 is at ~90%%.
Both installed at same time. (~4 years ago)

Sound normal? Or reflection of Varta vs SSB?

In my experience Varta are brilliant batteries. Outlasted others I've used by 50-80% overall.
SSB for me has been poor. My SSB 70 is three years old. I expect it's probably not healthy but Haven't pulled it out to test. The main SSB was a disappointment at two and a bit years. Replaced with a Varta.
Need to find what will fit where the 70 does that's better/Varta

Threw the van on the back and headed off to Mundi Mundi Bash last week.

Another Faultless trip



Towing at 95-100km/h achieved a real world avg of 17.6l/100km

Originally Posted by DiscoJeffster

In my experience Varta are brilliant batteries. Outlasted others I've used by 50-80% overall.
SSB for me has been poor. My SSB 70 is three years old. I expect it's probably not healthy but Haven't pulled it out to test. The main SSB was a disappointment at two and a bit years. Replaced with a Varta.
Need to find what will fit where the 70 does that's better/Varta

I have been using a non -automotive type 85ah AGM which just threw in the towel at 7 1/2 years, i replaced it with a similar size 75ah AGM of the same type and expect it will last at least 5 years being that its 2yo already.
Main battery is an exide extreme that is 5 1/2 yo and no signs of it struggling yet, it was less than half the price of a Varta or equivalent battery.