Usually, a car battery lasts 3-5 years. However, how long a car battery lasts varies based on weather conditions where you live, how you drive and your battery’s quality.
Car batteries are an essential part of an automobile. From getting your car started to charging your phone on the go, batteries provide the electricity your vehicle needs to keep rolling. That’s why it’s so important to know when to start considering a car battery replacement, as well as what you can do to extend its life span.
Factors that can affect the car battery lifespan
From external factors such as hot or cold weather to conditions inside the battery, many things can cause a car battery to die.
- Time: All batteries will eventually reach the end of their life span, and performance will decline, which is when installing a new battery could become a good option.
- Climate: In cold weather, the chemical reactions that produce the battery’s electrical charge occur more slowly, which is why dead batteries are common on cold mornings. On the other hand, in hot temperatures, the chemical reactions speed up, which can accelerate internal corrosion and decrease the battery’s life span.
- Vibration: Damage to the inside of the battery from significant vibrations can shorten its life. The most common culprits are large potholes, longer drives on bumpy roads and driving over a speed bump too fast.
- Driving habits: How long your car battery lasts depends on your driving habits. For example, if you often take short trips, your car battery may not fully charge, which may lead to “undercharging.”
- Charging circuit: The charging circuit, also known as the charging system, helps maintain your car battery’s charge and provides the main source of electrical energy when the car’s engine is running.
- Battery type: The type of battery is also a factor for how long it will last.
- Lead-acid batteries: These batteries are common in vehicles because they’re considered reliable and cost-effective. Regularly check and maintain lead-acid batteries to maximize their lifespan.
- AGM (absorbent glass mat) batteries: Because AGM batteries have an absorbent glass mat between the battery’s lead plates, these batteries charge more quickly. AGM batteries are more commonly used in cars with start-stop technology or cars with several electrical accessories. These batteries typically last between 4-7 years.
- EFB (enhanced flooded battery) batteries: EFB car batteries are typically used in modern vehicles that have higher electrical demands, which is why you’ll usually see them in cars with start-stop systems. Compared to lead-acid batteries, EFB batteries are more willing to accept a charge and have an improved life cycle. They typically last from 4-6 years.
- Lithium-ion batteries: These batteries are primarily used in hybrid and electric vehicles. Although they perform well and have a long lifespan, they’re typically more costly. Lithium-ion batteries can last about 10 years.
- Battery quality: Low-quality car batteries can degrade faster, causing a shorter lifespan, while high-quality batteries typically can withstand different conditions and last longer.
- Battery drains: When your vehicle is turned off, anything that draws power from the battery could drain it. Examples include charging your phone, using the car’s electronics or leaving an interior light on. Issues with the car’s electrical system could also cause battery drain.
- Corrosion: Battery connections that have become corroded can affect the battery’s ability to charge. Corrosion can also damage the clamps that connect the battery to the car, which could affect the electrical connection.
Signs your car battery is dying
Watch out for the following signs that may indicate your car battery is dying:
- Slow engine crank: If your engine cranks slowly, your car battery might be dying, and it may be time for a new one.
- Clicking sound: Do you hear a clicking sound when you turn the key to start your car? This likely means the battery is weak or dead and can’t provide enough power to crank the engine.
- Dim headlights: Dim or flickering headlights may also be a warning sign that your car battery is dying.
- Electrical system issues: If your power windows move slower than usual or your radio cuts in and out, it’s likely that your car battery can’t provide enough power to the electrical system.
- Battery appearance: You may be able to diagnose a dying battery by looking at it. If your battery case is swollen or has a clear film, or the battery terminals have blue build-up, your battery may be corroded.
- Age of the battery: Car batteries typically last 3-5 years, and trying to push them past that 5-year mark can cause them to fail or die. Consider getting your car battery tested if it’s 3 or more years old.
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How to extend your car battery life
Check out the 8 tips below on extending the life of your car battery.
- Test your battery: Knowing the condition of your car battery matters when you want to maximize its life. You can use a car battery tester to monitor its condition and decide when it’s time for a new one.
- Keep the battery at a neutral temperature: When possible, avoid driving or storing your car in extremely hot or cold temperatures, which can shorten the life of your battery.
- Ensure that your battery is tightly fastened: A battery needs to be well fastened to guard against vibrations that could cause internal damage. Make sure you regularly inspect your car’s battery to ensure that it is tightly fastened.
- Utilize a battery maintainer: If you won’t be driving your car during winter months, a battery maintainer can help keep the battery charged. It monitors the voltage and maintains the correct level of charge.
- Prevent corrosion: Keeping your battery clean is a great way to help it stay in good shape. To ward off corrosion (or clean existing spots), scrub the clamps with a toothbrush dipped in baking soda and water. Make sure you take the proper precautions and wear safety gear when you clean your car battery.
- Turn off the lights: Keeping your headlights and car door lights on can take a heavy toll on your vehicle’s battery. Make sure you turn them off before you exit your car.
- Take longer drives: Driving your car frequently and for extended periods can help maintain the battery’s power. Car batteries can recharge at longer distances, whereas they are not able to do so at shorter ones. Consider investing in a portable jump starter, which can help jump-start your battery without another vehicle in case you’re ever stranded.
- Care for your whole car: Your car is composed of many parts working together. Taking your car in for routine tune-ups as well as properly storing your vehicle are simple ways to help ensure that your battery’s lifespan can reach its full capacity. The battery is just one component of a well-running car, so make sure to properly maintain all parts of your car to extend its life and the life of your battery.
No matter how well you maintain your car battery, you can’t always foresee when it may die. Learn more about roadside assistance and how it can help you in the event of an emergency.