What’s the Average Car Battery Life?
When purchasing a new battery for your car, 4WD, SUV, truck, or motorcycle, you will undoubtedly want it to endure as long as possible. So the issue becomes, What’s the Average Car Battery Life?
Continue reading for our recommendations on how long your battery should last and how to keep it in good condition.
How Long Does a Car Battery Typically Last?
The average automotive battery may last between 2 and 5 years if properly maintained and fitted. It may be worthwhile to get a battery evaluated after three years of use.
Here are a few signs of a dying car battery:
-
Car Struggling to Start
If the vehicle isn’t starting or seems slow to fire up, it’s often the battery that’s the problem. It may be time for a new battery.
-
Flickering/Dimming Lights
If your car’s dashboard lights are flickering, dimming or losing brightness, it may be a sign of a failing battery. If you suspect your battery needs to be replaced, bring it to your local car battery service centre as soon as possible.
-
Battery Power Indicator on the Dashboard
You may see a low battery power indicator on the dashboard (or on your car’s computer). This is usually a sign that your battery has reached the end of its life, so you will need to replace it.
-
Electrical Malfunctions
If your car is experiencing electrical malfunctions, like your headlights dimming or your electrical power windows and seat movement stop working, your battery is likely the problem.
How to Extend the Life of Your Car Battery
-
Avoid making frequent short trips
When you start your automobile, your battery gets a workout, but the engine subsequently recharges it during the drive. So, if you simply drive a short distance, the battery will be unable to restore the amount of power lost – and if you repeat the practice every day, the battery voltage will slowly decrease until it can no longer start the car.
Maintain the power of your car’s battery by driving it regularly and for longer periods – and if you don’t use your car very often, consider investing in a battery charger to help maintain the proper voltage.
-
Make sure your battery is securely attached.
Since batteries are heavy and contain fluid, they need to be attached to the car’s frame. A loose battery can move around during driving, making friction with other parts in the engine bay. This friction can reduce the battery’s life and even cause the battery to short out.
-
Clean your battery terminals.
Over time, sulphuric acid from the battery will coat the insides of the battery terminals. This sulphuric acid acts as an insulator and inhibits the battery from transferring power to the vehicle’s electrical system. To increase the battery life, use boiling water to carefully pour onto terminals to remove the corrosion, once dry spray terminals with wd40 or Vaseline/grease to reduce corrosion.
-
Minimise sun exposure
On hot summer days, car batteries can overheat, which may cause the battery’s plates to warp and the battery’s fluid to seep out. The battery will then lose its ability to store a charge and will require replacement.
Keep your car battery cool by installing a shade or a car cover.
-
Don’t leave the car unused for extended periods
A car battery will slowly discharge if the vehicle is left unused for long periods. When the battery discharges, it consumes its reserve power and leaves less voltage for the engine to start correctly when you turn the key.
Conclusion
The average life of a car battery is between 2 to 5 years, depending on how well it is maintained. If your battery isn’t holding charge and it is time to replace it, make sure to consult a professional.
Batteries Sunshine Coast is a reputable mobile battery shop on the Sunshine Coast. We’re open 7 days a week, and we provide a fast, courteous, and affordably priced vehicle battery replacement service throughout the Sunshine Coast.
Shop with your local family owned battery experts, and reach out to discuss our services today!