Car batteries are an essential part of an automobile. From getting your car started to charging your phone on the go, batteries provide the electricity your vehicle needs to keep rolling. That’s why it’s so important to know when to start considering a car battery replacement, as well as what you can do to extend its life span.
What causes a car battery to die?
From external factors such as hot or cold weather to conditions inside the battery, many things can cause a car battery to die.
- Severe cold or hot temperatures: In cold weather, the chemical reactions that produce the battery’s electrical charge occur more slowly, which is why dead batteries are common on cold mornings. On the other hand, in hot temperatures, the chemical reactions speed up, which can accelerate internal corrosion and decrease the battery’s life span. [1]
- Battery drains: When your vehicle is turned off, anything that draws power from the battery could drain it. Examples include charging your phone, using the car’s electronics or leaving an interior light on. Issues with the car’s electrical system could also cause battery drain. [1]
- Corrosion: Battery connections that have become corroded can affect the battery’s ability to charge. Corrosion can also damage the clamps that connect the battery to the car, which could affect the electrical connection. [1]
- Age: All batteries will eventually reach the end of their life span (an average of 3 to 5 years [2]) and performance will decline, which is when installing a new battery could become a good option.
- Vibration: Damage to the inside of the battery from significant vibrations can shorten its life. The most common culprits are large potholes, longer drives on bumpy roads and driving over a speed bump too fast. [1]
How long does a car battery last?
Car batteries can last an average of 3 to 5 years. [2] One of the most important factors that affect a car battery’s life is the weather. A running engine under the hood is already producing high levels of heat. Throw in a scorching hot day and you may get a severe drain on your car battery, which can lead to an increased chance of a dead battery if you don’t take proper summer driving precautions.
Warm weather can cause fluid in car batteries to evaporate, damaging the internal structure of the battery. That’s why average battery life can be shorter in warmer climates. [3] So when estimating how long your car battery will last, consider the climate you will do most of your driving in.
Regardless of the temperature you drive in, properly taking care of your car battery can help keep it running.
How to extend your car battery life
Check out the 8 tips below on extending the life of your car battery.
1. Test your battery
Knowing the condition of your car battery matters when you want to maximize its life. You can use a car battery tester to monitor its condition and decide when it’s time for a new one. [2]
2. Keep the battery at a neutral temperature
When possible, avoid driving or storing your car in extremely hot or cold temperatures, which can shorten the life of your battery. [4]
3. Ensure that your battery is tightly fastened
A battery needs to be well fastened to guard against vibrations that could cause internal damage. Make sure you regularly inspect your car’s battery to ensure that it is tightly fastened. [3]
4. Utilize a battery maintainer
If you won’t be driving your car during winter months, a battery maintainer can help keep the battery charged. It monitors the voltage and maintains the correct level of charge. [4]
5. Prevent corrosion
Keeping your battery clean is a great way to help it stay in good shape. To ward off corrosion (or clean existing spots), scrub the clamps with a toothbrush dipped in baking soda and water. [4] Make sure you take the proper precautions and wear safety gear when you clean your car battery.
6. Turn off the lights
Keeping your headlights and car door lights on can take a heavy toll on your vehicle’s battery. Make sure you turn them off before you exit your car.
7. Take longer drives
Driving your car frequently and for extended periods can help maintain the battery’s power. Car batteries can recharge at longer distances, whereas they are not able to do so at shorter ones. [4] Consider investing in a portable jump starter, which can help jump-start your battery without another vehicle in case you’re ever stranded. [5]
8. Care for your whole car
Your car is composed of many parts working together. Taking your car in for routine tune-ups as well as properly storing your vehicle are simple ways to help ensure that your battery’s lifespan can reach its full capacity. The battery is just one component of a well-running car, so make sure to properly maintain all parts of your car to extend its life and the life of your battery.
No matter how well you maintain your car battery, you can’t always foresee when it may die. Learn more about roadside assistance and how it can help you in the event of an emergency.
Sources:
[1] “Why Did My Car Battery Die?” interstatebatteries.com/blog/why-did-my-car-battery-die (Accessed March 2024).
[2] “How Long Do Car Batteries Last? A Car Battery Life Guide,” autozone.com/diy/battery/how-long-should-a-car-battery-last (Accessed March 2024).
[3] “How Long Does a Car Battery Last? (+ How to Maximize Its Life),” autonationmobileservice.com/blog/how-long-does-a-car-battery-last/ (Accessed March 2024).
[4] “How to Increase Your Car Battery’s Life,” familyhandyman.com/article/how-to-double-the-life-of-your-car-battery/ (Accessed March 2024).
[5] “How to Use a Portable Jump Starter,” autozone.com/diy/battery/battery-charging/how-to-use-a-portable-jump-starter (Accessed March 2024).
Disclaimer:
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