Car batteries are an essential part of an automobile. From getting your car started to charging your phone on-the-go, batteries provide the zap your vehicle needs to keep rolling. That’s why it’s so important to know when to start considering a car battery change, as well as what you can do to extend its lifespan.
Average Car Battery Life
On average, car batteries last between 2 and 5 years.
Drive Regularly and Avoid Short Trips
If your car stays parked for days on end or you use it only for short trips, the car battery won’t have sufficient time to recharge. Take extended trips on a regular basis to help the battery regain a full charge.
Clean the Battery
Like other car parts, the battery needs maintenance. Periodically, check the battery and connections, ensuring that the connections are secure and free of dirt and grime. Battery terminals corrode over time but keeping them clean from buildup is a great way to extend the life of your car battery. Scrub the terminals with a toothbrush dipped in a baking soda and water mixture.
Be Mindful of Extreme Temperatures
Nothing takes a toll on car battery more than extreme temperatures. If you live where summer temperatures are consistently hot, as in the southeast US, the battery will experience accelerated aging and may shorten life. It’s important to remember to test your battery in any season and not just wait to test it in the cold.
Keep All Accessories Off While Starting
Car batteries are happiest when they are kept close to 100% charge – Accidentally keeping your headlights and car door lights on can put a heavy toll on your vehicle’s battery so keeping your headlights or interior lights on while the engine isn’t running is a big no-no. Before exiting the vehicle.
Limit the use of electronics while your engine is idling
The most common way for a battery to be sapped is by leaving electronics (ON) without having the engine on. Turn off functions like the radio or air conditioner when your engine isn’t running to put less wear and tear on your battery power. Extended periods of idling also can wear a battery down.
Test your battery regularly
Testing your car’s battery can significantly reduce your chances of getting stranded with no power. To check your battery, connect it to a multimeter while your car is off.