No matter if you own a brand new vehicle and an older one the battery is among the most important components of your car. It is the power source for everything from starting your engine to running the radio, lights and other electronic components. Like all components it won’t last forever.
What’s the question, how long do car batteries last The answer depends on a variety of factors, but let’s look at it in detail.
Typical Lifespan of a Car Battery
A car battery will last from 3 and five years.
This is however only a general rule of thumb. Certain batteries will last longer, and others will fail more quickly. It all depends on the type of car you drive and where you travel as well as the condition of your vehicle, as well as the type of battery you choose.
Factors That Affect Battery Life
Climate
- The hot weather is the biggest killer of batteries. The high temperatures accelerate chemical reactions within batteries, and this decreases the battery’s lifespan.
- A cold winter can slow down the chemical process, and could cause problems for your vehicle to start particularly if you have an older battery.
Tips: If you live in a cold or hot conditions, your battery might be inclined towards the smaller part of the 3-5-year range.
Driving Habits
- Short excursions do not give the battery space to recharge fully, which could reduce its lifespan over time.
- A lot of usage may result in the battery losing battery charge and weaken quicker.
- The regular long-distance drives can be more beneficial since they keep the battery charged and in good health.
Vehicle Type and Electronics
Modern vehicles have many electronic systems–infotainment, GPS, sensors, security systems–all of which draw power. The more electronic components your car has, the greater stress it puts on your battery, particularly if the engine isn’t operating.
Battery Quality
All batteries are not created in the same way. premium batteries typically last longer than cheaper alternatives. Additionally, batteries made by reliable manufacturers are able to be more durable in harsh conditions.
Signs Your Car Battery May Be Dying
Even before the battery is dead completely, it will often display warning indications for example:
- Slow cranking of the engine
- Dim headlights
- Electrical problems (radio windows, radio, dashboard lights acting oddly)
- Check battery or battery warning light on the dashboard
- A sound of clicking is heard when you turn the key
If you spot any of these symptoms, it’s probably the right time to have your battery tested and replaced.
How to Extend Your Car Battery’s Life
Here are some easy ways to make sure your car’s battery last longer
- Switch off the lights and electronic devices before turning off the engine.
- Avoid frequent short-term journeys
- Make use of a battery maintainer or trickle charger if the car remains idle for long periods of time.
- Examine for corrosion at the terminals of batteries and then clean them frequently.
- Make sure that your battery is secure and is free of vibration
Testing Your Battery
The majority of auto repair shops will test your battery for you for no cost. It’s recommended to test it:
- Every year after the 3 years mark
- Prior to summer or winter (especially when extreme temperatures are present)
- If your vehicle isn’t being used for some time
When Should You Replace Your Battery?
If your battery has:
- older than 5 years old
- Failure of load tests
- Sometimes, you’ll need to jumpstart
… it’s the right time to change it. Don’t wait until your stuck in a remote area with a car that’s dead.
Final Thoughts
How long will battery life of cars last? Most batteries last between three to five years however the exact amount is dependent on your environment, your how you drive, your battery type and usage of the vehicle.
Be on the lookout for warning signs and think about periodic battery tests after 3 years to prevent surprise events.
If you’re on the road for a long time or just driving for a few minutes taking care of your battery is a simple step that could save you huge headaches in the future.
