How Long Should A Car Battery Last?

Finding yourself stuck by the side of the road, at work, at the shopping centre or, worse, in the middle of nowhere with a flat battery, is not a nice situation to find yourself in.

That is why it is important to always have your battery checked as part of every service and to ensure it is replaced when it is starting to lose its ability to hold a charge.

Under ideal conditions, a typical, modern battery will provide three to five years of service life. There are many factors that can cause a battery to degrade before its shelf life, though, which is why it is important to care for your battery just like you would other car components.

There are common sense things that will run a battery dead, like leaving lights on in the car when you are not using it. But there are also other things to consider that may be detrimental to the lifespan of your battery, including:

Constant short trips: Batteries use a lot of charge when you first start the vehicle to engage its systems. They need time driving around to charge. If your driving habits mean lots of small trips, try to take an occasional long drive to fully charge the battery.

Not driving at all: If you are leaving your car in a garage for any length of time, removing the negative connector can help prevent the battery from degrading.

Extreme temperatures: Your battery should not be exposed to extreme heat or cold for any lengthy period of time. If you can not store your vehicle in a garage and it is going to be left exposed to the elements for weeks or months, it can be best to remove the battery and store it somewhere cool and dry.

Parasitic drain: This is when your car's electric system will still draw charge from your battery, even when the car has been turned off. If you are finding new batteries are constantly going flat, your electric system will need to be tested, along with the alternator.

The terminals: If these are being old, rusted or corroded, then your vehicle will struggle to properly charge your battery.

When you notice any signs that your battery might be failing, it is important to get it replaced as soon as possible. Some of the symptoms to look out for include:

Slow wipers: Your windscreen wipers need a fair bit of power to operate. If you switch them on and they are running slower or struggling to operate at a full pace, this is a sure sign your battery is starting to fail.

Difficulty starting your car: If you crank your vehicle and it turns over slowly or your engine doesn't start at all, either your battery or alternator is likely the issue.

The radio doesn't work: While you might have enough charge to start your car for now, if your radio is not coming on, then it is likely your battery is on the way out.

Timing is everything when it comes to pink slip inspections. Booking your inspection early helps you avoid last-minute stress and provides ample time to address any issues.

Book Ahead: Aim to schedule your inspection a few weeks before your registration renewal deadline to allow room for unforeseen repairs.
Choose a Reputable Mechanic: Select a licensed inspection station with a solid reputation for reliable and thorough assessments.

This approach ensures that you’re well-prepared for any necessary follow-up steps, such as repairs, before the deadline.