How Long Do Car Batteries Last?

One of the regular car maintenance tasks you need to perform on your vehicle includes a car battery change for your Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep vehicle. But don’t worry, you won’t have to worry about changing your battery for a while under normal conditions. Find out more with our guide to the average vehicle battery life from DeYarman Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM near Pella.

How Long Do Car Batteries Last Under Normal Conditions?

The average vehicle battery life is three to four years, with regular driving around SE Des Moines, Indianola and beyond. Your car battery change interval might be different than this time frame depending on your exact vehicle, the quality of the battery, and the conditions in which you drive. 

Hot climates can shorten your average vehicle battery life because hot temperatures aren’t friendly to batteries. Newer models may have a longer average vehicle battery life due to improved electronic components. High-quality batteries are high-tech and designed to reduce leaks, extending the average vehicle battery life even longer. Look for batter batteries that have absorbent glass plates in them to help absorb the lead acid liquid inside of them as the longest-lasting vehicle batteries.

When you put more miles on your vehicle, pay attention to the signs you need a car battery change. You don’t want your battery to die at the most inopportune time!

How Long Do Car Batteries Last on Average?

Experts disagree on the average vehicle battery life. With a new vehicle, experts may suggest waiting five or six years for a car battery change. Other recommend a car battery change in just one to two years to prevent a breakdown in the middle of nowhere. We recommend a car battery change every three to four years. You’ll get plenty of life out of your current battery while giving you enough time to replace it.

Our service technicians will test the battery every time you bring your vehicle in for a tire rotation or oil change, usually around every 7,500 miles. We’ll let you know if it has signs that it’s time for a car battery change.

How Long Do Car Batteries Last in Less-Than-Ideal Conditions? 

Two main things can shorten the average vehicle’s battery life.

Driving Habits 

Leaving your car idle without running the engine for a couple of weeks can slowly drain the battery without recharging it. If you run the accessories but don’t start the engine, it could make this happen sooner. That’s because the alternator, which turns when your engine is running, recharges the battery on every drive in Knoxville. Not running your car can drain the battery slowly over time. When you do drive after a long idle period, take the scenic route to work or drive for an hour to fully recharge your battery.

Climate & Location

Driving in a hot climate year-round will weaken your battery more compared to a cooler climate. Hot temperatures make the battery chemicals work more quickly, and their electricity may be drained faster. Cold climates may make it hard for your car to start, so frigid weather isn’t great for car batteries, either.

What Are the Signs I Need a Car Battery Change Soon? 

Look for any of these signs that you may need a car battery change soon or that your average vehicle battery life is nearly over:

• The check engine or battery light comes on and stays on. 
• The engine is slow to start. 
• Car lights are dim, both inside and outside.
• There are electric issues (cell phone charger, heated seats, radio, and others aren’t working) in your vehicle. 
• The connectors for the battery are corroded. 
• The battery case looks warped or misshapen in the engine compartment.

An aging or leaking battery is the most obvious sign it’s time for a car battery change and that your average vehicle battery life has come to an end. We highly recommend testing your car battery every six months for the best results and to prevent a problem. Even electric vehicles need to have this done because the 12-volt battery rather than the motorized battery runs the interior accessories.

Schedule a Car Battery Change in Knoxville! 

Does your vehicle need a new battery or other service? Contact us, call (641) 943-6422, or schedule service with our team. Check out our service coupons to see if you could save some cash on your maintenance.