How long should a car battery last?

Ask around and you'll get several different answers. Some cars will get up to five or six years out of their battery, while others will need a new one after only two years. In general, your car will usually need a new battery after three to four years. Replacing your car battery is another part of routine maintenance.

How do I know when my car needs a new battery?

Why did my car battery only last 2 years?

Extreme temperatures, frequent short trips, and general everyday use could shorten the life of your battery to two to three years. If your car battery dies quickly, even after a jumpstart, it might be time for a new one.

Is 5 years a good life for a car battery?

Though factors like harsh weather conditions and the way you use your car can affect your car battery's lifespan, it is possible to prevent your battery from going flat prematurely. On average, car batteries last between three and five years.

How do I know if my car battery is dying?

Turn on your headlights

It seems almost too easy, but the best way to test the strength of your car battery may be to simply flick on the headlights. If the lights seem dimmer than usual, then it probably means it's time to replace the battery.

How long should a car battery last?

Is it my battery or alternator?

If the engine starts but dies immediately, your alternator probably isn't keeping your battery charged. If a jump starts and keeps your car running, but the car can't start again off of its own power, a dead battery is probably your answer.

How do I know if it's my car battery or alternator?

Jumpstart your car. If you can turn the engine on, but it dies shortly thereafter, your car alternator likely isn't able to charge the battery. On the other hand, if you jumpstart the car and later on it fails to start on its own, it's likely a dead battery.

Should I replace a 7 year old car battery?

General wisdom says you should replace your car battery about every three years, but you could end up needing a replacement sooner. Factors like your climate and driving habits can affect your battery's lifespan and leave you needing a new one before the three-year mark.

How frequently should a car battery be replaced?

Ever wonder, “How often should a car battery be replaced?” Many car experts agree you should change your battery every 4-5 years, though that time frame depends on several factors that affect battery life.

Does idling charge your battery?

Does the Battery Charge if You Let the Car Idle? The simple answer to this question is yes, your car's battery will start to charge as long as your engine is running.

What kills a car battery?

“Electrical devices or lights left running, a defective charging system or alternator, and extreme weather are some common reasons but maybe it's just time to get a new battery.”

What can drain a car battery when the car is off?

Electrical glitches in your car and car battery may be caused by factors such as poor installation, faulty fuses, and flawed wiring. These electrical glitches can result in the normal and expected parasitic drains on your car battery becoming excessive and drain the battery when the car is off.

What shortens car battery life?

Factors that can shorten its life include an extended period of partial or full discharge, vibration from not being properly secured, under- or overcharging, extreme temperatures, water loss, electrolyte contamination and corrosion on terminals.

Does jumping your car mean you need a new battery?

While you may be able to get it going with a jump-start, the catalyst for its initial failure is still threatening the lifespan of your battery.

When replacing a battery What should you replace first?

“Positive first, then negative. When disconnecting the cables from the old battery, disconnect the negative first, then the positive. Connect the new battery in the reverse order, positive then negative.”

Should I buy a new car battery or charge it?

If your battery is over 4 years old we'd advise replacing it with a new one. You may find you're able to temporarily recharge a battery this old, however it's likely to lose its charge again very soon. Older batteries do deteriorate over time and naturally lose their ability to hold a charge.

How low is too low for car battery?

As soon as the car is turned on, the voltage reading will drop for a quick moment, but should not fall below 10 volts. If it falls below 10 volts, it means the battery does not have sufficient turnover strength and is prone to failure. Again, in this case, recharge or replacement of the battery may be necessary.

What is the average price of a car battery?

Average Price of a Car Battery

Car batteries typically last anywhere from two to five years, depending on the battery type, climate and vehicle. Based on the make and model of your vehicle, you can expect to pay around $50 to $120 for a standard car battery and around $90 to $200 for a premium type.

Will AutoZone replace my battery?

Battery Limited Warranty

This warranty expires when you sell or transfer your vehicle. If the battery is found defective during the free replacement period on your receipt, bring the battery to any AutoZone store and you will receive a free replacement.

Which brand of car battery is best?

How do I know if my alternator is going out?

Signs of a Bad Alternator

Some of the things to look for are no-starting and trouble starting, dimming lights and problems with stereo system output. If your car starts but stalls when you're underway, your battery is probably not being recharged due to a faulty alternator.

Can AutoZone tell me if my alternator is bad?

Alternator Testing

Dim or flickering lights, dead battery, battery light on, trouble starting or other issues. How to get your alternator tested: Just to visit a nearby AutoZone. We'll test the alternator while it's still in the vehicle.

What are the signs of a failing starter?

How do I test my alternator?

What happens when alternator goes out?

A bad alternator will result in a discharged (dead) battery and cause a vehicle to not start or run. Alternators are designed to maintain a battery's charge, not to recharge a dead battery. Your alternator's job is to maintain a consistent charge on your battery. Draining your car's battery is not advised.