What's the best battery to have in an infrequently used car?

My Mazda MX-5 is used only at weekends and often even less frequently. It's parked on the street. Over Christmas/New Year, the battery went flat and had to be started with jump leads. I've been told by a friend that I should install a gel battery. What are these and how are they diffferent to the ones fitted at manafacture? I can't find any decent inforamtion on the web.

Asked on 17 January 2011 by Sims

Answered by Honest John
They are a new type of battery fitted to cars like BMW Efficient Dynamics that work with regenerating alternators.

Your problem is either a weak battery from short run use that does not put enough charge back in. Or the car is suffering a leakdown. Always switch off the radio at the radio, switch off the interior light system entirely. Check the boot light and glove locker lights are going off by setting your mobile phone to record a movie then locking it in the boot and the glove locker. If the light is not going out, take out the bulb.
Similar questions
My 1996 Ford Mondeo been standing for three years. What is the best way to approach starting it again? I've fitted a new battery but it didn't start. The previous owner said it needed a fuel pump and I'm...
I have had a BMW 320i for about three months and during this time it has developed an intermittent starting fault. Basically, about every fourth time I try, the car refuses to start. I am assuming the...
My daughter's Seat Ibiza has continual problems starting after standing unused for only 2-3 days. We've been told repeatedly that the battery's fine and the current drain with ignition off is within acceptable...
Related models
Outstanding handling. Outrageous fun.
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer