C1 battery drain

[datz]

We have a 64 plate C1. It has a new battery and alternator. However it’s only used for commuting to work 20 minutes each way 3 times a week and this time of year that’s in the dark both ways. I’m having to charge the battery up about fortnightly at the moment and I just want to confirm that’s to be expected? My wife is worried there’s something else wrong but I think that with that small mileage at this time of year no battery would hold up?
Thanks
David

[GiveMeABreak]

Sounds about right - especially in winter when you're using the heater, demister, fan headlights , head unit for music etc.. The car will naturally use some power from the battery when not in use for the alarm and for detecting central locking requests for example. So a 20 minute journey is probably insufficient time to replace any charge used for starting and use of equipment, which is then repeated on the way home, so yes, it's likely to be draining the battery over weeks.

[PaulC5]

What is the voltage dropping to when you need to charge it ? Having to charge it after every 6 trips does seem a bit much.

[datz]

Thank you both for your help. It’s in for a service and MOT next month I’ll get them to check it out then.

[wheeler]

Having to charge it after every 6 trips does seem a bit much.

I would agree with that.
If the battery is in good health you should be getting much longer that that out of it. This is a very basic car, no fancy electronics, alarm or even a BSI so the natural drain should be very low.
Just because the battery is new doesent mean the battery is good, what brand is it? If its a Euro Car Parts Lion brand battery if you get 6 months out of it you have done well. You get what you pay for with car batteries.
I'd start be getting the battery tested, ideally not by the company that sold you it. Also is it the correct spec battery? I believe the original battery on these (assuming its a petrol model) is a 202 but most people normally replace them with a 063 as its a bit better spec and usually cheaper so a no brainer to fit a 063.

[CitroJim]

I'd very much concur. I had a late Series 1 C1 and its normal usage profile was two 15 minute journeys to work and back with many other short journeys. Never did I ever have any problems with the battery going flat... My eldest then had the car after me and her usage profile was similar. Again, no issues...

And yes, Lion batteries are not the best... Again, found from experience...

The C1 is a brilliant little car - love them

[bobins]

Do you have a dashcam or other accessories fitted ? If so, just check they're not consuming a bit of power when everything else is turned off. A mate had that the other day - for one night only it seems his dashcam stayed on and flattened the battery !