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One of the most common problems with any vehicle is a failing battery. Car batteries don’t last nearly as long as the vehicles they power, and when they fail, you’ll have some very inconvenient problems to deal with. But how long do car batteries typically last? And how can you extend the life of your battery? Read on to learn this and more.
Average Car Battery Life
All car batteries have a finite lifespan, but how long they last depends on several things. Some of the main factors that determine the length of a battery’s life are the weather, your driving habits, and simply time. On average, though, car batteries last between three and five years. If you’re starting to notice problems with your battery during that period, this is very normal. On the other hand, if your battery starts to fail well before three years, it could be a sign of a deeper issue within your vehicle that you’ll want an expert technician to examine.
How To Extend Your Car’s Battery Life
There are many things you can do to help extend the life of your car battery. Some strategies to explore include:
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Extreme temperatures are a common reason that car batteries drain. High outside temperatures can cause the fluids within a battery to evaporate. Since the engine already produces a considerable amount of heat, if the temperature gets too high outside, this extra heat can cause problems with the battery. Similarly, if the temperature drops too low, this can prevent the battery from functioning properly. You’ll likely notice that your vehicle takes a little longer to start on cold mornings, and this is because the battery needs to work harder.
You should aim to reduce your battery’s exposure to extreme temperatures. One way to do this is by parking your vehicle in a garage. If you don’t plan on driving your vehicle for a while, you can also consider removing the battery and bringing it inside. Finally, ensure there is no debris like dust or leaves underneath your vehicle’s hood, as this can restrict air flow.
Drive for Extended Time Periods
When you drive your vehicle, the power from the engine helps to recharge your vehicle’s battery. By occasionally driving your vehicle for extended periods of time, you can help to ensure that your battery is always at full capacity. If you only use your vehicle locally, you may want to consider taking it for a longer drive every once in a while, simply to charge the battery.
Check the Battery Terminals
The battery terminals are the two metal spots on the battery that connect it to the rest of your vehicle. If there is something between the terminals and the battery, you may experience issues with starting your vehicle. One simple thing to check for is that the terminals are securely fastened. Turn off the vehicle and try wiggling the connections to ensure they don’t move. While you’re there, also look for any signs of corrosion around the terminals. If you see any corrosion, you can try removing it with a toothbrush dipped in baking soda.
Reduce Battery Consumption When Idling
When your vehicle is idling, the engine isn’t charging your battery. A good strategy is to reduce battery consumption when you’re idling so that your battery doesn’t have to work as hard. Some ways you can do this are by turning off the AC or by unplugging any devices that you’re charging. If you’re idling at night, you can also consider turning off your headlights.
Turn Off Lights When Exiting the Vehicle
Finally, whenever you exit your vehicle, make sure you’ve turned off all the lights. A common reason that batteries die is that people forget to turn off their lights when leaving the vehicle, and they remain on throughout the night. This can drain the battery to the point where you’ll be unable to start your vehicle in the morning. Many vehicles now have an automatic headlight setting, which will turn off your lights when you turn off the vehicle. If your vehicle doesn’t have this setting, make a mental note to always check the lights before going inside.
Signs That Your Car Battery Needs Replacing
There are a few key signs to look for that will tell you there’s an issue with your battery. The first is if you’re having trouble starting your vehicle. While it’s normal for a vehicle to take an extra second or two in extremely cold weather, it should start right away on a normal day. If you’re noticing that your vehicle takes longer than normal to start, or if it’s not starting at all, you could have a dead battery. When you turn the key, check if any lights turn on. If not, the battery is likely dead.
The other sign you can look for is dim headlights. If you’re having more trouble than usual seeing at night, this could be because your battery is starting to drain. While it could be an issue with your light bulbs, dim headlights are more commonly the result of a poor battery. Once you see your headlights starting to dim, it’s only a matter of time before the battery fails entirely.
Visit Keith Pierson Toyota for Car Battery Service
Your car’s battery is one of the most important components, as without it, your vehicle won’t start. However, it’s also one of the shortest-lasting components within a vehicle. It’s not uncommon for a car owner to have to replace their battery several times throughout ownership.
If you are having trouble with your car’s battery, or suspect there might be an issue, Keith Pierson Toyota is here to help. We can quickly diagnose the source of the problem and determine the best solution. Should the problem turn out to be your battery, we can find the perfect replacement for your make and model, then install it for you. We’ll also safely dispose of the old battery, saving you the hassle. To learn more about our car battery services or to schedule a service visit, please contact us today.
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