Batteries, like many other components of cars, experience wear and tear over time and eventually need to be replaced. But how long can you expect your car battery to last? It depends on a wide range of factors like the type of car you drive, how it’s driven, the climate it operates in and more.
Average Battery Lifetime and Charge
Typically, a car battery will last between three and five years. The latest car batteries are designed to perform at full charge up until the time they fail. This comes with the downside that there are fewer signs your battery is close to expiry. Pushing a battery longer than five years can cause your battery to fail without notice. For that reason, a replacement schedule of five years is generally recommended.
If your battery is reaching three or more years old, consider having it tested. A battery test is usually free at your local auto store and they can give you more detailed information on the condition of your car battery. A battery test will give you a clear understanding of your battery’s current state, which can give you a better estimate of an appropriate replacement schedule.
Factors That Affect Battery Life
It’s incredibly difficult to put an exact date on how long a battery should last. There are several factors that can increase or decrease the lifespan of your battery, including:
- Extreme hot or cold temperatures
- Increased electrical use
- Driving time
- Alternator and drive belt condition
The important point is that no battery lasts forever. Whether you’re keeping your car in storage all year or driving it every day, you’ll still need to replace your battery at some point.
Signs Your Battery Needs to Be Replaced
Since modern batteries are designed to use all available charge before failing, there are fewer signs that yours may be running low or close to failure. Older batteries reduced their power output, meaning you see signs like headlights dimming and more difficulty starting the car.
The best way to determine if a modern battery needs a charge is to keep track of its age and to perform a battery test once it gets older. An easy way to remember to periodically test your battery is to check it every time you change your oil.
How to Improve Your Battery Life
If you feel you’re replacing your battery too often, there are ways to help extend its lifespan. If you’re constantly driving on backroads and bumpy dirt trails, it can result in a poor connection, which drains more power. Like other types of rechargeable batteries, it is best to leave car batteries fully charged when in rest.
Avoid playing the stereo or leaving the lights on for an extended amount of time when the engine isn’t running. This can weaken your battery and cause the alternator to work harder decreasing the lifespan of both components. Driving in very hot or cold temperatures also reduces the lifespan of your battery, but this can’t be helped a lot of the time. Keeping your car in an insulated garage may help protect the battery.
Contact Car Care Joondalup for Expert Servicing and Repairs
For any and all auto repairs and servicing including battery replacements, our expert Joondalup mechanics can help. Call the team at Car care Joondalup on (08) 9300 9796 or contact us online today.