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How Long Should Car Battery Last

Car batteries are a vehicle’s life because they provide the electrical boost needed to power an engine and the electrical features that make driving contemporary cars and trucks safe and satisfying. However, similar to most mechanically used pieces, car batteries are bound to wear out at some point. Every owner of a car should know how many hours a car battery should last and which factors make the battery last a shorter duration. Generally, an average car battery is expected to last between 2 – 5 years but some factors and practices can greatly influence the period. This blog will discuss all the information that you should know about the durability of a car battery normal life, how to ensure that it endures the longest time and some tips that will tell you that it is time to buy a new one. 

At UPI Auto Parts we hope that you find the information if you are managing your car properly. They guarantee sourcing quality auto parts for your car at Auto Parts Pricing, thus maintaining your car in good condition without putting a hole in your pocket. So let’s take a closer look at car batteries and how durable they are. 

Understand How Long Should Car Battery Last?

 

What Is the Typical Car Battery Life? 

The battery, unlike in most cars where you find most of the batteries specifically the lead-acid batteries will last you between 3 to 5 years under normal usage. But still, it can take several hours, days, or even weeks depending on the driving style, climate and Battery maintenance. 

How Long Do Car Batteries Usually Last? 

It is always a challenge to ask the question, “How long do car batteries usually last” because it contains many factors. On average a battery is expected to last approximately 50000 to 60000 miles in an average car. But frequent users of longer drives may last longer, while those of short drives may face a draining battery earlier. 

Average Life of a Car Battery – Key Factors 

  • 1. Driving Patterns:

    This kind of usage charges your battery fully, and constant small trips occasionally do not charge your battery fully. It is vital to note that if you primarily commute in your car for short journeys often, you will realize that your battery does not have longevity. 

  • 2. Environmental Conditions:

    The temperature applied also has a serious influence on the battery such as very hot or very cold temperatures. In hot climates, the heat strains the battery and causes the fluid inside the battery to evaporate which makes the battery’s internal parts spoiled. However cold climate degrades the battery cycling, which could affect the battery charging capacity. 

  • 3. Battery Age:

    When a battery is used repeatedly the ability of the battery to store a charge reduces as the battery gets older. You should monitor your battery’s age because most batteries are expected to begin developing problems after three years. 

  • 4. Maintenance Practices:

    That is why it is extremely important to carry out the regular service of your battery as this will help to ensure that the battery lasts longer. This includes; inspecting battery connections, seeking to remove any build-up on the terminal and lastly checking whether the battery is properly secured. 

How Long Should a Car Battery Last If the Car is Not Driven? 

If your car has been parked for instance for weeks you may be wondering how long should a car battery should last no driving. A battery when not in use can easily die within a couple of weeks. As in the case of the battery output, this too depends on the age and the condition of the battery. To mitigate this, consider the following tips: 

How Long Do Car Batteries Usually Last?

  • i. Battery Maintainers:

    To keep the battery charged when you don’t drive the vehicle for a long term, use a battery maintainer or trickle charger. They can greatly enhance the battery life in the gadgets by ensuring that the battery charges remain at the peak at all times. 

  • ii. Disconnecting the Battery:

    In situations where you intend to leave your vehicle parked for a long time say above two weeks and up to several months, it may be advisable to pull the battery connection. This discourages parasitic drain from the vehicle and also helps maintain the charge of the battery. 

Tips for Extending Your Car Battery Life 

To ensure that your battery reaches its full lifespan, implement these practical strategies: 

  1. 1. Drive Regularly:

    Try to take your car out on the road at least once a week. This not only keeps the strength of the battery being charged but also in a good state. 

  1. 2. Limit Short Trips:

    As far as possible, do all your errands in one go because if you are only running errands, constant short trips keep your battery from fully charging. 

  1. 3. Secure the Battery:

    Make sure that there is a tight connection between the battery and its compartment. Roaming can cause internal vibration and the machine will not last long. 

  1. 4. Minimize Power Usage:

    Do not operate any electric appliances that will including lights, radios, and air conditioners among others when the engine is off. This can very much demoralise the charging process or lower the level of charge in the battery. 

  1. 5. Clean Battery Terminals:

    Some of the things that should be done to the battery include; Cleaning the battery terminals frequently to avoid corroting. Mixing baking soda with water will do an adequate job of cleaning the terminals while guaranteeing a good connection. 

  1. 6. Protect from Temperature Extremes:

    Leave your car in shaded areas or temperature-controlled garages at any time to avoid subjecting the battery to high temperatures in extremely hot climates or cold climates. 

  1. 7. Avoid Excessive Idling:

    For those who use their cars frequently and most importantly use batteries involving parts like the sound systems and lights, avoid leaving your car running for long without charging since it can discharge the battery. 

  1. 8. Maintain Distilled Water Levels:

    In the case of batteries that contain water monitor the water levels and replenish them with distilled water when needed. This may go a long way to reducing internal damage and increasing the battery life of the device. 

  1. 9. Check Your Charging System:

    You should check your automobile’s charging system often. A malfunctioning alternator can cause your battery not to charge as it should and can lead to an early grim reaper. 

  1. 10. Monitor Your Battery’s Health:

    Almost all today’s car models come with battery monitoring systems as a standard feature. Do get a battery check if you experience any abnormality with any of the warnings or notifications related to battery health. 

Perceiving Indications of Battery Failure 

It is very crucial that; an individual should be aware of signs that there might be a battery problem that may lead to a breakdown. Look out for the following signs: 

Perceiving Indications of Battery Failure

  • i. Dimming Lights:

    If headlights or dashboard lights are too dull or flickering, then, possibly, the battery is worn out. 

  • ii. Slow Engine Crank:

    Slow operation of the crank when the engine is being started may indicate the battery in the car is weak. 

  • iii. Check Engine Light:

    A bad battery can cause the check engine light to come on your vehicle’s dashboard. If this happens, it would be advisable to take your battery through a diagnostic check-up. 

  • iv. Swollen Battery Case:

    If the battery case appears to be too big or puffy, it just might have been overcharged or overheated, and may require a swap. 

  • v. Corrosion at Terminals:

    Surface white, ashy deposits on the battery terminal bring out corrosion which may disrupt the battery’s capability of transmitting power effectively. 

  • vi. Age of the Battery:

    If the battery is older than 3 years it is advisable to get it tested frequently irrespective of the battery’s performance. This is a point where most batteries are known to begin degrading efficiently. 

The Need to Service Automobiles 

This post makes it clear that you should always take good care of your car if you want to see all of its parts, including the battery, last longer. A vehicle should undergo normal checks, service checks, and mechanical repairs to avoid the development of small problems into large ones. The longer you follow your car manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, the better your chances of identifying a bad battery before it completely dies. 

Battery Care for the Long Life of Your Vehicle 

However, the care of your battery should not be forgotten and at the same time, it is important to understand that the vehicle is a combination of many components. Proactive attention to the systems in a car means that all of them will complement each other well. Consider the following: 

  • 1. Routine Tune-Ups:

    This means that when one is driving their car frequently, he or she should take the car to be serviced because this will help him or her determine whether any of the car systems are under pressure and this will cause the battery to strain. 

  • 2. Proper Storage:

    If your car is ‘parked’ for a longer period, then make sure that it is in a dry place with appropriate temperature to avoid the dangers associated with battery and other car parts. 

  • 3. Professional Inspections:

    Take your car for a checkup at the mechanic after every few months. It can tell them problems ahead of time before they contribute to battery failure and other severe cases. 

  • 4. Fluid Checks:

    Often change the type of fluids in your car, for example, coolant and engine oil, because these affect the battery and its life cycle. 

Replacement – When Is It Time for a New Battery? 

Knowing the time when you need to replace your battery is very important if you want to have a reliable car. Here are some tips to determine if it’s time to invest in a new car battery: 

Replacement - When Is It Time for a New Battery?

  • i. Battery Testing:

    It’s recommended to get your battery checked often, most importantly after three years of usage. Partway Auto Stores initiative battery testing services at no cost. 

  • ii. Replacement Age:

    If you have a battery that is older than 5 years, no matter the condition, it is recommended that you replace it. Usually, batteries can deteriorate before one realizes it. 

  • iii. Frequent Jump Starts:

    If you discover yourself in and out boosting your car often then that is an indication that your battery might not be charging optimally and as such needs replacement. 

  • iv. Signs of Wear:

    This article identifies five signs that can help one to tell that the battery is bad, and include; cracking, leakage or bulging. 

  • v. Warranty Information:

    Read more about your battery warranty. The majority of batteries are sold with a small warranty that may address the cost of replacement within a stated period. 

Bottom Line 

Therefore, knowing how many months a car battery is supposed to last is very important for car maintenance purposes. The expected vehicle battery life span of most batteries for electric cars ranges from 2 to 5 years although this can easily be improved upon by considering some best practices when driving and particularly when charging the battery. If the following symptoms of battery failure are observed, one is advised to test it or change it before being stranded or if it reaches three years of use, one should change it. 

Battery Care

Hence at UPI Auto Parts, we assure you of headlight bulbs, batteries and other components that will enable the performance of your vehicles to reach their prime. Meet our professional staff who are ready to provide you with professional consultation and affordable Auto Parts Pricing for your car’s smooth functioning. Do not hesitate to any longer contact us today for all your automotive needs and be part of the UPI family!

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