Replacing a car battery is often an unexpected but essential expense and most people replace their battery only if they absolutely have to, usually when they’re stranded on the side of the road. What should you do to avoid this common scenario? 

How long do car batteries last?

The lifetime of a car battery is influenced by how often you drive your vehicle, how it was installed and the climate you live in. There are a few ways you can check if you car needs a new battery:

1. Sluggish Engine – Is your car engine taking longer to get going? What does it sound like? Are there any changes?
2. Dash Engine Light – Sometimes your car will communicate an issue in the form of a glowing engine light. It can appear when your battery is struggling.
3. Under the Hood – Check your battery. Is the fluid below the energy conducting lead plates? Does the casing look bloated? Has it swollen? Can you see any corrosion or leaking around the cables and connections? Every minor issue can have serious consequences.
4. Old Age – The expected lifetime of an average car battery is three to five years., but as we’ve already explained, it can vary greatly.

Should I replace car battery myself?

Before cars became rolling computers, changing a battery was an easy task, provided you knew what kind of battery your car needed and felt comfortable under the hood. Fast forward a decade and change and advancing car technology has made it much more difficult to pull off a car battery replacement. Experts like Cox Auto to navigate the often complex task of installing your battery according to the guidelines of the vehicle manufacturer. 

Did you know?

Batteries that aren’t configured properly have a shorter life, suffer from under-charging and hold the potential to significantly damage your car’s electrical system. In an effort to save money, you may end up spending more on complex repairs!

What makes your car battery flat?

Time is the core culprit of a flat battery. Outside the inescapable lap around the calendar, draining a car battery can be as easy as accidentally leaving the lights on or leaving the boot unlatched. A faulty charging system; loose alternator belts or a bad alternator diode; faulty wiring; poor installation; defective fuses; loose or corroded battery cables and repeated short drives can all negatively affect the longevity of your car battery. 

What if your car battery keeps dying?

A new car battery should not die within days, weeks or months of installation. If you’re going through batteries like they’re going out of fashion, it may be time to book your car in for a service and detect if there’s a larger issue at hand. It’s better to be safe than sorry or stranded, especially when it comes to your vehicle’s electrical system. 

Are you worried about the shelf life of your car battery? Drop in today or give us a call and book an appointment. Whether it’s been a while since you purchased your car, or you’ve recently picked up a second hand run-around, it’s never too early to ensure this essential component is running to the best of its ability. Don’t be stuck on the side of the road!