How Long Does a Car Battery Usually Last?
If you drive a car, the odds are good that at some point in time you’ve pondered: “How long do car batteries last? Your car batteries are necessary for getting your vehicle started, but they also power everything from the lights to the air conditioning. Though it may not be something you consider frequently, your vehicle’s battery is essential to ensure all the systems in your car continue running properly.
In this guide, we will take a look at how long a car battery should last on average, what impacts its life span and what you can do to maximize the longevity of your battery. Plus, we’ll look at how to identify signs that your battery could be going south on you and what to do about it.
Let’s get started!
What Is a Car Battery?
Your car’s battery plays a vital part in powering the electrical system in your vehicle. It holds and provides the electricity required to kick your starter, illuminate your headlamps and perform many other functions on your car. That’s because without the battery, your car doesn’t start up, not to mention systems like your radio or headlights simply don’t work.
Batteries for automobiles contain lead plates that are submerged in an electrolyte solution (which is often sulfuric acid and water). The battery is recharged by an alternator when the engine is running to provide power for the accessories.
How Often Should You Replace Your Car Battery?
The average car battery life is 3-5 years. There are, however, many factors that can affect how long a battery lasts — such as climate or your driving habits — and the type of battery your car uses. You might get a little more out of some and have to replace others a bit sooner.
Read on to learn more about what affects battery life.
Causes of Car Battery Dying Some of the main factors that may affect your battery and contribute to it dying are: Time and usage Heat Cold Weather Maximum capacity Naughty actions Time Basically, the age of your battery will determine how long it is going to last when you use your car.
Climate and Temperature
The climate is one of the greatest contributors to battery life. Both very hot and very cold temperatures can have a dramatic effect on how well your battery is able to work and how long it’s going to last.
Heat: Excessive heat can cause battery liquid to evaporate, reducing the overall capacity of the battery and its life expectancy. Hotter climates will also require your battery be replaced sooner than those living in a more temperate area.
Cold temperatures: Cold temperatures slow the chemical reactions inside a battery, making it harder for your car to start, particularly if you park in a chilly garage and have blood-chilling mornings. Sometimes, the battery can get cold and freeze in extremely low temperatures, rendering it useless.
Generally, capping car battery life in warmer regions is the way heat impacts the internal guts.
Driving Habits
How you drive your car also plays a role in the longevity of your battery. Many short trips, ones in which the engine doesn’t have a chance to fully warm up, can be especially detrimental. This is because the alternator requires a period to recharge your battery’s energy supply, and you may not be driving for long enough for it to do so with short journeys.
Longer drives, however, especially on highways, can actually recharge the battery more effectively and lengthen its life. If you use it on lengthy drives frequently, your battery could last longer.
Maintenance and Care
Ensuring good care can effectively increase your battery’s life span. Keeping the battery clean and looking for visible wear can help avoid a great majority of problems.
Battery corrosion: Over time, corrosion can accumulate on the battery terminals. This can block the charge to the battery, which makes it die more quickly. It is important to regularly check your terminals for built-up corrosion.
Battery charge:
Overdraining the battery can cause damage. It’s hard to keep the tire on the road when you break it down; always monitor how much power is left in the battery and change it with a new one if needed, preventing you from being cut off for power.
Leaving accessories on: If you’ve left your headlights, air conditioning or some other electrical component running without the engine in function, you may also run down your battery. This is to help conserve battery life.
Battery Type and Quality
Some car batteries are better than others. Different Battery Types of batteries can — and the battery’s quality makes a difference in how long it will last.
Lead-acid batteries: This is the most popular kind of car battery. They’re also cheap, but don’t last as long as more advanced batteries.
Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries: A more costly option, they last longer and are more robust. They are typically found in luxury cars, high-end vehicles or autos with sophisticated electrical systems.
Good batteries typically last longer than cheap ones, so it’s well worth investing in a respectable brand if you want your battery life to last longer.
Indications Of A Dying Car Battery
Replacement timing is key. Here are a few telltale signs that your battery is close to the end of its life:
Slow or Struggling Start
If your car seems to crank slower or takes longer to start when you turn the key, your battery may be on its way out. One of the clearest signs it’s time for a new one.
Dim Headlights and Electrical Issues
A dying battery doesn’t have enough oomph to power your car’s electrical items, and you might start experiencing dim lights or faulty electrical systems. If your lights are flickering and your radio starts going in and out, that may also mean that the battery isn’t holding a charge.
Swollen or Bulging Battery Case
Your battery case may become swollen or bulge due to overheating and or being overcharged. A swollen battery is a clear sign that something has gone awry on the inside. If you observe this, it’s a good idea to change the battery soon. In certain instances, swollen batteries can leak or explode.
Bad Odor or Leaking Fluid
The odor can be stinky like rotten egg if the battery is leaking or damaged. This smell results from the battery’s sulfuric acid leaking. If you smell this sulfuric odor, it’s time for a new battery — and it’s a good idea to replace the battery without delay so you don’t damage your car’s engine or electrical system.
Check Engine Light
In some cases, a bad battery may cause the check engine light to come on. If the light does come on and you believe it may be because of the battery, it’s good to have the battery tested to make sure that all is well with its functioning.
How to Prolong the Life of Your Automobile Battery
Though no car battery will last indefinitely, there are a few things you can do to help keep the one in your vehicle going for as long as possible. Here are a few tips:
Drive Your Car Regularly
It’s one of the best things you can do for your battery: drive your car regularly. If you leave your car to sit for long periods, the battery may start to lose its charge in those lower temperatures. If you’re not currently driving your car every day, aim to take it out at least once a week for 20 or so minutes just to keep the battery charged.
Keep Your Battery Clean
Your battery terminals can also get clogged up with dirt, gunk and corrosion which makes it very difficult for the unit to charge. Be sure to clean your battery terminals regularly and monitor them closely for corrosion. If you see buildup, a paste made of baking soda and water can help clean the terminals.
Powered Off When Not in Use
Make sure to always turn off accessories, such as headlights, air conditioning and the radio, when the engine isn’t running. That way, the battery isn’t being unnecessarily taxed and lasts longer.
Have Your Battery Tested Regularly
Battery testing at many auto parts stores is free. Getting your battery tested periodically is a good idea, especially if it’s heading toward the 3 to 5-year range. This can help you flag potential issues while there’s still time for new batteries and a replacement starter before your battery goes kaput.
Conclusion
So in summary, a car battery would last around 3 to 5 years, but this can vary due to the type of weather being experienced and the frequency with which you’re using it, as well as how you are driving, including environmental conditions. Regular care and maintenance, as well as heeding early warning signs, can make your battery last longer and avoid the pain and cost of premature replacement.
If your car battery is getting old, replace it before you find yourself in a predicament. But watch for signs of battery failure and don’t be shy about getting it tested if you think something is wrong.
By taking good care of your vehicle’s battery, you increase the lifespan of your car and it also ensures that it runs effectively each time you need it.