How Long Do Car Batteries Last?
As one of the more integral parts of your car, there's a good chance the battery is on your mind quite a bit.
Whether you're thinking about the last time you had the battery changed, if it's getting a little low or even when it might run out your car's battery is likely a source of just a little anxiety.
That in mind, if you're wondering how long your car battery is predicted to last and when it might be time to replace your car battery, then continue reading. We'll let you know some telltale signs and keep you from being standard in a car park when your battery runs flat.
Take a look at how long car batteries last below.
There Isn't a Set Time Frame
Off the top, we need to point out that there is no typical time frame where all vehicle batteries will need to be replaced.
In fact, most of the time your mechanic or perhaps your enthusiastic rev-head friend may be the one to tell you when to replace your car battery based on a few key factors such as slow engine turnovers, or dull headlamps.
That said though, you should do your best to replace your car battery around every three to five years at maximum, even if there doesn't seem to be anything wrong with it. You'll be in the all-clear if you do this.
Slow Deterioration
With the above said, it is good to keep in mind that car batteries, much like all other types of batteries, will slowly degrade over time.
The cells in our car batteries will essentially become less and less effective at holding a charge and in time will basically run flat. You'll notice your car won't turn on, the lights won't be very bright or your infotainment unit doesn't even switch on.
In line with this, when we drive our cars, our batteries are being charged by the alternator, though you need to drive a fair way for your battery to charge fully. If you're only taking short city trips, you'll notice that your battery may not be charging all the way, and leading to it going flat over time.
Your Location Affects Battery Lifespan
A second thing to keep in mind is that your battery will die faster or slower based on where in the country you live.
For example, those located in the hotter cities, for example, will find that their car batteries degrade a lot faster than those in routinely colder ones. This is down to battery degradation occurring more quickly in high-temperature cities.
This in mind, you might want to consider keeping your vehicle undercover where you can and keeping it out of the sun when parking at work or to go shopping.
It's good to note that local mechanics which you can find on Enji will be attuned to the local climate's effect on your car, and be able better help you understand what to do to reduce battery ageing.
Battery Servicing Remains Important
Another thing to note is that how you take care of your car battery will also affect its lifespan.
Again, your mechanic or a car-loving friend or family members may already know and take care of your battery for you, though if not, there's a couple of things to jot down. The first being that you'll want to pop the hood every now and then to make sure the terminals are checked over and clean.
On top of this, take a peek at the battery's overall appearance and make sure there isn't any corrosive build up around it. If there is, you may want to work on replacing your battery just a little sooner to avoid future issues.
It Depends on the Battery
To end our tips, it's crucial to keep in mind that the battery you've chosen will also affect how long it lasts.
Of course, as you would expect, when you're getting a new battery you should get something new and from a reputable brand. If you're investing in used or pre-owned batteries you're going to get a majorly reduced life out of your battery.
You might also find that leading battery manufacturers offer free replacements for batteries that die within a three-year period, keeping you covered even if your battery does die a little earlier than expected.
Conclusion
All of the above in mind, it's clear to see that the life of your car's battery will depend on where you live, how you drive, the type of battery and how you take care of it. With everything automobile-related, the better you take care of things, the longer they'll last, and the same holds true with your battery.
Be sure to keep an eye on the battery and the terminals and have a close look over any potential corrosion and you'll be in the all-clear.
