The best time to replace your battery is before you need to. But how do you know it’s time to replace the battery if it’s not dead—yet? There is no catch-all answer for how long a car battery will last, but there are symptoms that can suggest it's time for a replacement.
If your battery is showing signs of wear and hasn’t been replaced in two or three years, don’t take any risks. Car batteries are relatively inexpensive, and the small cost of a replacement is worth it to avoid the stress of a roadside breakdown. Does your car use stop-start technology to save petrol?
While the general rule of thumb is to replace it every three to five years, several factors influence a battery's lifespan. Primarily, time, heat and vibration impact how long your battery will last. Recognizing the signs of a weak battery and understanding the factors affecting battery life can help you avoid unexpected breakdowns.
There is no catch-all answer for how long a car battery will last, but there are symptoms that can suggest it's time for a replacement. Learn the signs of a dying car battery, how climate can affect yours, and when you should have it replaced with this guide. Cars are good about letting you know that something is wrong.
Since car batteries typically need replacement every three to five years, you might wonder if it's time to replace your five-year-old battery. At five years, the battery is nearing the end of its lifespan. While some batteries may last longer with proper maintenance, it's generally wise to start considering a replacement.
If you use your car infrequently, avoid letting its battery become drained by on-board computer systems by taking it for a short drive – around the block once or twice will do – to recharge it every week or two. The next time you take your car into the garage for a routine service, make sure to ask for its battery to be checked.