How often does everyone plug in your ferrari do you plug it up after each ride and leave tell you drive again or what? specifically pertaining to the 458
After a good drive, I'm sure the battery will retain sufficient charge to handle all the electronics and start up for at least a week, 10 days, maybe more. But the plug in is so easy, and the trickle charger just tops things up that I plug in after each drive. Also, as I'm never really sure when my next drive will be, plugging in covers all bases.
I plug it in when I won't drive for a week or more. I still have problems getting the car to turn over when it is cold outside. Sometimes it can take 8-10 times to start. I would still use the charger but you still might want to start the car manually if you live in a cold climate like me.
I leave my F430 alone for over a month and it starts just fine. I'm assuming the 458 is better. Then again, it's kept in a fairly warm area all the time.
I leave mine plugged in all the time... the battery will last much longer too, there is only so many times you can discharge the battery completely before it will just fail...especially in the cold.
I use to keep my 08 F430 plugged in all the time, but the battery just crapped out, and so did the charger. I think I'll try to use some discretion now. Mike
I have never plugged either of my 430's in. NEVER!! I normally drive it every couple of weeks, but's it's gone undriven for 5 weeks while I was in Asia, and not a problem when I returned.
I use the charger that came with the car specially if not driven for long periods of time. This is more critical in colder climate. Parasitic discharge takes it's toll on starter batteries. I don't think the batteries in the F458 are deep cycle batteries ( meant to be discharged to 50 - 80 % of capacity ). Repeated discharges to low capacity diminishes the life expectancy of the battery. I learned this lesson well on my F355. Haven't checked whether the battery is maintenance free in the Italia. Otherwise, make sure fluids are topped off using distilled water. Ed
The dealer told me the 458 battery eill go down if not driven once a week. If you plug in the charger but do not plug it in, the batery will be drained. I plug mine in as per the dealers guidlines and have not had any trouble yet. Lee
