I haven't started the GT in over a month and the original factory battery (almost 5 years old) didn't sound too healthy when I cranked the engine. It took a few tries and the dash lights went off except for a few indicators. After it fired up, I drove it out of the garage to wash it then checked the voltage at rest (about 12.23 V after the engine was shut down). The "eye" shows the red ball.

What are the chances this battery is FUBAR? I didn't put my Battery Tender on it this season but it shouldn't cause the battery to die out this quickly. Should I buy a new battery? If so, I'll probably wait until next driving season.

I also need a new driver's floor mat. I have the factory option all-weather mats and there are 2 holes where my heel rests for the clutch and brake pedals. A co-worker said he went through several of these sets and the original carpeted floormats. I am tempted to try the Weather-tech digital mats but am apprehensive about spending $100 for the front pair.

 

you can try two things: take it to a parts store like Advance, and they'll test it for free, tell you your cold cranking amps and what the factory rating is. Or you can charge the battery on the battery tender, check the voltage (should be ~14V), then let it sit for 24 hours, and see how much the voltage dropped. if it goes below 12V after 24 hours, it's time for a new one. At least that's the rule for motorcycle batteries, which are pretty pitiful to start with.

 

My stock battery on my 08 is in the same shape as yours. Pop the covers on the battery and check the water levels. You probably need water. This will buy you more time until you have to replace it. At least it did on my Stang.

 

I say use a battery tender if you going to let it sit for more than 10 days or so. I think you can get more life out of your battery. Throw it on the battery charger for a full charge. Then test the voltage wait a few days and then test it again.

 

I popped the covers and about 2 cells needed only a small amount of water to reach the bottom of the fill hole. The plates were always covered. The eye is now green again, but it turned green after I let the Tender do its thing for 48 hours.

 

As far as floor mats - my car is a daily driver and I have gotten so sick of having to constantly clean carpeted floor mats... I found these - can't remember whether it was Advance or Auto zone... but they are all black rubber - they look nice, and I can clean them by pulling them out and giving them a good shake. Every few days I pull them out, rinse them off, and hit them with my vinyl cleaner and they look brand new. Best of all, the carpet underneath them with the factory carpet mats stays looking brand new.

 

I purchased the Weather Tech digital cut formed floor mats and could not be more happy..The fit is perfect and they keep all the crap inside the mat. Now I keep my Lloyds plush carpet mats for show only..Well worth the money.
Mark