How Long Do Car Batteries Last on Average?

How long do car batteries last? A new car battery can last up to 6 years, but its lifespan depends on a few factors.

From where you live to the type of battery you use in your vehicle, car batteries can last anywhere from 2 to 6 years. Keep reading to learn more about the car battery lifespan and signs that indicate it’s time for a new battery.

Signs It Might Be Time for a New Battery

The average auto battery lifespan is about 3 years. One thing that greatly affects the life of a battery is whether or not a battery sits for too long. If you don’t use or start your car for an extended period of time, your battery could die. 

Auto batteries are impacted by our driving patterns. While some people assume that frequent driving impacts the health of a car battery, neglecting your battery is actually what breaks it down.

Your battery recharges every time you drive, which is why you should never let it go too long without taking it for a spin. If you do leave it unused for too long, it might be time for a new one.

Some other signs that indicate it might be time for a new battery are:

  • Your battery is older
  • Your battery triggers a light on your dashboard
  • A slow starting engine
  • There’s a bad smell
  • You have corroded connectors
  • You have electrical issues and dim lights

How to Extend the Life of Your Car Battery

There are plenty of things you can do to extend your car battery’s life. First and foremost, limit the short rides you take in your vehicle.

Make sure you keep your battery tightly fastened, too. If your battery isn’t tightly fastened, it could vibrate and lead to short circuits and internal damage. Check your battery terminal regularly, especially if you drive a lot on bumpy roads. 

Turn all your lights off every time you exit your car, as leaving them on drains battery life.

Test your battery often and try not to use electronics while you’re idling in the car.

It’s important to know that battery terminals corrode over time, too. You can keep them clean by scrubbing them with a toothbrush dipped in a water and baking soda mixture. After your scrub them, use a spray bottle to rinse off the solution and then dry them with a clean cloth.

A lot of maintaining a battery has to do with the climate you live in, too. These auto battery maintenance tips will tell you all about how to maintain your battery in Africa’s unique driving conditions, for example.

How Long Do Car Batteries Last? 

If you’re wondering how long do car batteries last, the answer is that it varies. While car batteries can last anywhere from 2 to 6 years, a lot depends on how you maintain yours.

Follow the best tips for how to maintain your car battery in the climate you live in so that you can best prolong your car battery’s life!

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