How Often Should You Replace a Car Battery?
Are you tired of trying to find the jumper cables every time you need to start your car? How often should you replace a car battery? This is a question that many vehicle owners ask because they are worried about being stranded in a parking lot or on the side of a road. A dead battery is a frustrating inconvenience that can be avoided. The best time to replace your battery is before it dies.
But how do you know how often should replace a car battery? There are a few signs that indicate it is time for a car battery replacement, such as:
- Slow engine crank
- Illuminated check engine light
- A swollen, misshaped battery case
- Battery fluid leak
The typical lifespan of a car battery is between three to five years. Depending on the climate where you live and your driving habits, you may be looking at a car battery replacement before the end of three years.
- How does climate affect your battery? The heat of summer can lead to the evaporation of water in the battery acid, resulting in decreased performance, subpar starting power, and a shortened lifespan. When the temperatures are freezing, your battery needs to work harder to generate enough energy to keep your car running smoothly. Cold weather can also result in thicker engine oil, which puts an additional strain on your battery.
- How does your driving affect how long your battery will last? If you consistently take short trips such as a short commute to the office and the grocery store, your battery doesn’t have enough running time to recharge fully between stops. Also, if your car sits in the garage or driveway for extended periods of time, the battery continues to drain passively even when the engine isn’t on.
Even without any warning signs, a general rule of thumb is that you should replace your car battery about every three years.
Wondering about how often should you replace a car battery? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about a car battery replacement and to schedule an appointment. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
Are you tired of trying to find the jumper cables every time you need to start your car? How often should you replace a car battery? This is a question that many vehicle owners ask because they are worried about being stranded in a parking lot or on the side of a road. A dead battery is a frustrating inconvenience that can be avoided. The best time to replace your battery is before it dies.
But how do you know how often should replace a car battery? There are a few signs that indicate it is time for a car battery replacement, such as:
- Slow engine crank
- Illuminated check engine light
- A swollen, misshaped battery case
- Battery fluid leak
The typical lifespan of a car battery is between three to five years. Depending on the climate where you live and your driving habits, you may be looking at a car battery replacement before the end of three years.
- How does climate affect your battery? The heat of summer can lead to the evaporation of water in the battery acid, resulting in decreased performance, subpar starting power, and a shortened lifespan. When the temperatures are freezing, your battery needs to work harder to generate enough energy to keep your car running smoothly. Cold weather can also result in thicker engine oil, which puts an additional strain on your battery.
- How does your driving affect how long your battery will last? If you consistently take short trips such as a short commute to the office and the grocery store, your battery doesn’t have enough running time to recharge fully between stops. Also, if your car sits in the garage or driveway for extended periods of time, the battery continues to drain passively even when the engine isn’t on.
Even without any warning signs, a general rule of thumb is that you should replace your car battery about every three years.
Wondering about how often should you replace a car battery? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about a car battery replacement and to schedule an appointment. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
