Car batteries are one of those things we take for granted- until they die, that is. Then we’re left stranded, wondering what went wrong. How long should car batteries last? Typically, car batteries last 3-5 years. Speaking from experience I had two car batteries make it to the five-year mark; then all of a sudden…they were dead.
Battery life depends on the climate, driving habits, how well the battery is maintained, and so on. So how can you tell if yours is on its way out? Here are 5 ways to know if your car battery needs to be replaced.
Check the Age of Your Car Battery
If it’s more than 3 years old, it may be time for a replacement.
If you’re like most drivers, you don’t really think about the age of your car battery until it fails. Not only is it a hassle to replace, but in many cases those replacements are very expensive. To make sure you don’t get stuck with a dead battery, the best thing you can do is check its age and make sure that it isn’t older than three years.
Sure, batteries sometimes last longer than that depending on how often you use your car or how well-maintained it is, but over time even the strongest battery will eventually fail. Why take any chances? Save yourself the money and inconvenience by checking the age of your car battery today to see if it’s due for replacement!
Check the Condition of Your Battery Terminals
It pays to stay on top of the condition of your battery terminals! Over time, corrosion and dirt build-up, which is why experts recommend checking them every once in a while. It’s not a difficult process – just check for excess corrosion build-up or that the connection is working properly.
A good idea might be to make it part of your regular maintenance schedule – during the same inspection you can often also do small repairs, like greasing the terminals or re-tightening them. It may be a simple task but it can really save you from having larger issues down the line.
Check Your Car’s Electrical System
If there are any issues, it could be affecting the lifespan of your battery.
While we rely heavily on our vehicles to get us around, many of us don’t think twice about the inner workings of the car itself. When it comes to your car’s electrical system, however, making sure everything is working properly can have a major effect on your battery’s lifespan – and the last thing you need is your battery dying in the middle of a long drive.
To make sure you don’t fall into this trap, take some time every few months or so to perform a quick check-up on your battery. You should look for corroded connections or any other signs that there might be an issue with the electrical system. If it does turn out there’s something wrong, it never hurts to take it down to your local mechanic and get them to take a look at it – after all, keeping your car in good shape will always come with its own reward!
Driving Habits…they matter!
if you’re constantly starting and stopping, or idling for long periods of time, it can shorten the life of your battery.
Did you know that the way you drive your car can affect the life of your battery? If you’re constantly starting and stopping, or allowing your engine to idle for extended periods of time, it will take a toll on your battery’s vitality. This isn’t just limited to long road trips either; even driving only short distances around town can reduce the overall life cycle of your battery.
To make matters worse, leaving the lights on overnight or plugging in your electronics while idling is an invitation for disaster when it comes to preserving your battery. It’s important to be mindful of how you operate your vehicle and make sure that you’re not asking too much from your battery each time you hit the highways or byways.
The Climate You Live In
It’s not just about air temperature. Hot summer temps drive up the heat under the hood and accelerate the onset of battery failure. As a result, many motorists wind up stuck along the roadside in the summer. AAA reports that it responded to 2.2 million battery-related service calls in the summer of 2020, up from 1.8 million in 2018.
It seems counter-intuitive, but one of the best ways to protect and preserve your vehicle’s battery during the summer is to keep an eye on the temperature. Highly elevated temperatures can affect a car battery more than the cold of winter.
That’s because the heat under your car’s hood accelerates chemical reactions and will quickly sap vast amounts of energy from your battery, leaving you stranded and without a running car. AAA reported that in 2020 they responded to more than 2.2 million battery-related service calls – demonstrating just how serious this issue really is!
Taking care to avoid extreme temperatures – whether hot or cold – will ensure that you never find yourself stuck beside a roadside wondering what happened to your vehicle’s lifeblood: its battery.
How Do I Know My Car Needs a New Battery?
The first sign that your car may need a new battery is when it’s having difficulty starting the engine. This could indicate a range of issues, from corrosion on the terminals to low charge levels. It could also mean that your battery has reached the end of its life cycle and needs to be replaced. While it may be tempting to ignore this warning, it’s important to take action as soon as possible to maintain your vehicle’s reliability.
In addition to starting issues, another common sign that you may need a new battery is if the lights on your dashboard or car stereo seem dim. This is a tell-tale sign of low voltage and could be due to an old or dying battery. Lastly, if you’re noticing a strange odor coming from your car when it’s running, this could be an indication of an electrical issue. This is usually caused by a damaged battery and calls for immediate attention.
What Shortens Car Battery Life?
Taking care of your car’s battery is essential for ensuring that it lasts as long as possible. By avoiding driving short trips often, keeping the battery tightly fastened, minimizing power used while the engine is off, cleaning regularly, protecting from extreme temperatures, and properly charging, you can ensure that your car’s battery will last longer and perform better!
Final Thoughts…
Taking preventative measures to ensure that your car’s battery is in good condition can save you a lot of hassle down the road. By keeping an eye on the temperature, avoiding extreme heat and cold conditions, and driving with caution, you can help to extend your battery’s life cycle. Regular check-ups at a mechanic will also ensure that any minor issues are taken care of before they become major problems. So don’t ignore the signs – it’s time to get your car’s battery checked and make sure it can handle the summer heat!
All in all, being aware of your car battery is key to ensuring its longevity. Especially at this time of the year, it’s important to be aware of all the signs of a failing battery, such as corroded terminals and difficulty starting the car. Additionally, we recommend that you check your car’s electrical system for any issues and analyse your own driving habits – if you’re constantly stopping and starting or idling for long periods, this can greatly reduce the life expectancy of your battery. Finally, keep an eye on the temperature – extreme cold or heat can harm batteries easily. Taking these steps can help keep your car running optimally so you don’t encounter any expensive surprises down the line.
