On Sat, 26 Jul 2014 18:23:46 -0400, "Mr. Luddite"
wrote:

I was at the store this afternoon and she called me. Said, "On your way
home could you pick up a starter for my car?"

Obviously I asked her why she thinks she needs a "starter".

Her reply: "Isn't that what starts the car? All it does right now is
click."

===

That's what I call "woman logic". My wife is always coming up with
stuff like that.

Since 4 years is a little on the short side for battery life, it's
possible that there is a secondary issue like the alternator. If you
have a digital voltmeter it is easy to check the alternator yourself.
Start the car and let it warm up for a few minutes. Check the
battery voltage. It should read somewhere between 13.8 and 14.4
volts if the alternator is working properly. Next, turn on the
headlights and/or the rear window defroster. Battery voltage should
still read somewhere between 13.8 and 14.4 with the engine at a fast
idle.

Average life for a battery in normal service seems to be around 5
years or so, less if they have been deep discharged (run down) a few
times. In my experience the very best car batteries are the Sears
Platinum Diehards. They cost more but are great batts. I've just
finished replacing all of the 170 pound 8Ds on our boat with pairs of
Platinum Diehard 31Ms. Each 31M is around 75 pounds or so, much
easier on the back, better cranking power, and hopefully better
longevity.