How Long Should a Car Battery Last?

Beating at the heart of every engine is the one thing that makes it live—the battery. Without it, the car can’t start, and all the associated electronics can’t work. But how long should a battery last? What do you need to do to ensure its longevity and how do you choose a new one?

Read on to find out everything you need to know…

From Battery Choice to Car Battery Replacement

• Choosing car battery
• Car battery replacement & how long should it last?

Choosing a car battery

Car batteries don’t fall under a one-size-fits-all banner. They need to be the right size and type for the vehicle they’re fitted to. This will be determined by multiple factors, including:

• Power rating
• Size
• Terminal positions
• The on-board system of the car, such as whether the vehicle has automatic stop/start and other features

Because of this, it’s highly advisable to stick to the same size and type of the original manufacturer’s battery. This will be detailed in the owner’s manual and many marques let you find the right specification on their website by license plate number.

Fitting a car battery is something that, unless you’re confident in doing so (in which case we probably don’t need to give you a how-to guide here), is best left to the professionals

Car battery replacement & how long should it last?

Today’s cars drain batteries more than ever before. On-board computers, stop-start engines, a/c, and climate control, heated seats… The burden on the poor battery is high. And that’s even before you plug in your cell!

This constant need for power means that batteries sadly have a finite lifespan. On average, this is anywhere from 3-5 years, but this will depend on how the car is used and where you live. The 3 biggest elements that destroy a battery’s longevity are:

• Heat
• Time
• Vibration 
  

The higher (or longer) each is, the shorter the life of a battery. 

Replacing a car battery is something best done before you suffer a dreaded flat. There are usually subtle clues that your battery is at the end of its lifespan. Dim interior lights, sluggish starting, or a battery that’s 3 years or older are signs that you should get it tested. That way you’ll have a choice as to when you want to change the battery, rather than being forced into an expensive purchase when you’re faced with a car that won’t start. 

All About Car Battery Charge 

• How to ensure a car battery keeps its charge

How to ensure a car battery keeps its charge

The following are proactive ways you can help the health of your car battery and eke out as many years of life from it as possible:

If you mainly use the car for short journeys, try to take a longer one every week or so. This will help the battery to fully recharge

If the car is left standing for extended periods, consider connecting a maintenance charger to keep it topped up

If you live in a very hot climate and the car doesn’t already have one, consider installing a heat shield over the battery

Ensure that the battery is held securely in place to minimize vibration

Inspect the battery at every oil change, ensuring that the connections are in good order and that the battery isn’t loose within its mount

Ensure your service provider carries out a battery check with every service

Need a Car Battery Replacement or Have an Electrical Issue? Head to Autobahn of Boca Today

While you can, indeed, purchase a car battery from anywhere, it’s highly recommended that you only entrust a qualified person to install it. Today’s car batteries are often encased within an engine, meaning that it’s not simply a case of disconnecting and connecting a few wires. Removing and replacing a battery—along with ensuring that all the associated electricals run correctly—is something that shouldn’t be approached by the DIYer or someone who’s not familiar with your marque of vehicle.

At Autobahn of Boca, we specialize in the most prestigious of German vehicles. In fact, our engineers know them like the back of their hand. So if you need a new battery or any kind of electrical servicing for a Porsche, Audi, VW, BMW, or Mercedes, you know where to come…