How Long Do Car Batteries Last?

Whether you're still driving with the battery that originally came with your car or have since purchased a new battery, it's a good idea to know how long your battery should last. This can help you understand whether your battery is lasting as long as it could and whether you need to take measures to extend the life of your battery. Learn how long batteries last here at Tom Kadlec Kia in Rochester, MN. If you need to replace your battery, contact our parts department today!

How Long Do Car Batteries Last?

Typically, a car battery will last from three to five years. That lifespan remains true whether you're driving your car every day or keeping it in storage most of the year. If you push your battery beyond five years, it could fail on you without notice. It's for that reason that most manufacturers recommend that drivers replace their battery on schedule every five years.

That said, if your battery is nearing three years old or older, you should consider having it tested. Batteries today are designed to perform at a full charge up until they fail. That means that you may have very few warning signs that it's about to give out. Having it tested can give you an idea of how much life could be left in your battery.

Warning Signs That Your Battery Could Soon Fail

As mentioned, modern batteries are designed to perform at full charge right up until the time that they fail, which means you may have little warning that you're driving with a low battery. That said, there are a few signs, especially if you're using an older battery now.

Engine Is Slow to Start

If you notice that your engine is slow to start when you get in your car, it can be a sign that your battery is about to fail. Over time, the battery components wear out and become less effective. For this reason, it can take the battery more time to create a charge for your starter, making you wait a few seconds for your engine to start running.

Check Engine Light Is On

Your check engine light can be an indication of many problems with your vehicle, including a battery that's low on life. Check the manual for your vehicle to see if it gives you an indication of what the check engine light could be telling you and have your car inspected by a professional mechanic.

Dim Lights and Other Electrical Issues

Your battery is responsible for powering all the electronic components in your car. If you notice that your cell phone charger, dashboard computer, radio, heated seats, or lights aren't performing the way they usually do, it could be a sign your battery is about to fail.

Corroded Battery Connectors

Open your hood and inspect your battery visually. If you see a white, ashy substance on the battery metals, that's a sign of corrosion. If the positive and negative connections on the battery are corroded, that can cause you to have trouble starting your car.

Misshapen Battery Case

When you visually inspect the battery, take note of the shape of the battery case. If your battery has been exposed to extreme temperatures, the case can crack and swell. If the case is any shape other than rectangular, there's a strong likelihood your battery isn't working properly.

Factors That Can Affect Battery Life

Where You Live

While we sure do love Minnesota, we'd be lying if we didn't get tired of its often frigid temperatures. Incidentally, extreme temperatures can have a big impact on the lifespan of your battery. Cold temperatures, and we mean really cold, can impact battery capacity.

And while heat facilitates the chemical reaction that a battery uses to generate energy for your car, it also causes the battery to degrade more rapidly. If you live in the South where temperatures are high for a large portion of the year, then your battery will typically last around three years. In northern states, it's not uncommon for batteries to last for five years or longer.

Vibration

The vibration of the hardware around your battery can cause the internal components of your battery to break down more rapidly. Hardware that's missing or loose can significantly shorten the life of your battery.

Malfunctioning Charging System

This type of problem is less common than the other factors listed above. However, if the charging system in your car is malfunctioning, it can reduce the lifespan of your battery. If your battery is continually over-charged or under-charged, it can accelerate the rate at which your battery ages. Likewise, if your battery goes completely dead, that can substantially shorten its lifespan, even if you're able to recharge it and get your car running again.

How to Extend Your Battery's Life

If you feel like you're replacing your battery too frequently, there are some steps you can take to improve its lifespan, including:

Evaluating Your Driving Conditions

While you certainly can't change where you live, if you're frequently driving on bumpy roads, then there's a strong likelihood that your battery could have a poor connection. Tighten your battery cable connections and the clamp holding the battery down. You can also use special hold-down hardware to prevent the battery from moving and minimize the vibration that can wear down the internal battery parts over time.

Leaving Your Battery Fully Charged When at Rest

When your engine isn't running, it's best to let your battery remain fully charged. That means you should avoid leaving your interior or exterior lights on or playing the radio as much as possible when your car isn't running. Before you exit your vehicle, always double-check to make sure that your accessories and lights are off. You should also make sure you unplug any adapters, such as cell phone chargers, as using the USB and power outlets can rapidly drain a battery.

Don't Leave Your Car Unused for Long Periods of Time

All batteries will lose charge over time, and if your battery is allowed to die completely, it can significantly shorten its lifespan. If you're going to be letting your car sit for longer than a week, you should connect your battery to a trickle charger. This will ensure long periods of sitting don't shorten your battery life.

If you need to have your battery checked or replaced and live in the Rochester or Stewartville area, come by Tom Kadlec Kia's service department. Our technicians are highly trained and certified to perform whatever work you may need on your vehicle. If you know your battery hasn't lasted long enough and is in need of repair, simply schedule service online or call us at (507) 361-2700.