My battery is dead and won hold a charge. Where can I get a new battery and what type of battery is recommended?
First, you need to be sure the battery is the problem, not some other component of your electrical system. You can remove the battery and take it to Canadian Tire (and probably any auto battery retailer). They can test it for you for free. If you do need a replacement battery, a sealed, dry cell (i.e., spill-proof) battery is recommended. The web offers a few choices and, of course, Mazda dealers carry replacement batteries, but they are not considered to be as good as the original equipment batteries. Another battery that is considered suitable is the OPTIMA 57R dry cell battery, which is available in the correct size with the POS and NEG posts in the correct positions to fit into Miatas. OPTIMA batteries are available at a variety of sources in the Ottawa area including Costco and Total Battery in Nepean. The batteries are available with either a red top or a yellow top. According to one member, yellow top OPTIMAs are deep-discharge batteries that are intended to be drained almost co
