It doesn’t matter if you drive a car, crossover, SUV, truck, or van. Your vehicle’s battery will only live so long. Inside the battery case are lead plates that combine in two to make battery cells. The cells work with battery acid – sulfuric acid – and water to cause the chemical reaction needed to generate voltage. Over time, the battery will lose its ability to generate voltage, just like the batteries in your TV remote do. Heath’s Auto Service can replace your car battery once it’s no longer able to produce power.
Expected Battery Lifespan
Car batteries last three to five years on average, so it’s a good idea to test your car battery occasionally once it’s three years old, especially if you notice signs that it’s dying – more on that below. There isn’t much you can do to extend the lifespan of a battery. They only have so much life in them. If you are not sure how old your current car battery is, look on the battery case for a sticker with two numbers on it, e.g., 11/18. These numbers represent the manufacturing date of your battery, i.e., November 2018.
Things That Can Kill a Battery Prematurely
You can’t really extend the life of a car battery, but you can kill it prematurely. If you’ve ever left your headlights on or didn’t shut the car door completely, you know you can drain the battery without meaning to. Other things that drain a car battery include
- Parasitic drain from components
- A faulty battery charging system
- A dead or defective alternator
- Driving only short distances
- Loose or corroded battery cables
- Extreme temperatures
For example, the latter can reduce your car battery’s power by as much as 30 to 60 percent. When the temperatures reach freezing, a car battery can lose up to 30 percent of its power. Once the mercury drops below zero, the power loss increases.
Signs Your Car Battery Is Dying
Unless you accidentally leave your headlights on or you have a severe parasitic drain, your car’s battery will usually give you signs it’s on its way out. Some signs are subtle, such as your vehicle lights slowly getting dimmer and dimmer, and other signs are more noticeable, such as difficulty starting your car. You may also notice your power components slowing down and leaking and/or damage to the battery case. Your dashboard’s battery light will also turn on.
Call Heath’s Auto Service in Flagstaff, AZ, if you would like your car battery tested and replaced if necessary. We’re here to make sure you can rely on your automobile.
