How Long Do Car Batteries Last?

How long do car batteries last? In most cases, you can expect your battery to last three to four years. However, this can vary depending on the type of battery you have, the car you drive, and a range of other factors. To keep your commute from New Braunfuls to Seguin smooth, it’s important to be able to recognize the signs of a dying car battery. That way, you can get your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM, FIAT®, or Alfa Romeo vehicle over to our service pros before you wind up with a dead battery. Below, our team will further discuss the average lifespan of a car battery along with the signs that your MOPAR® car battery is due for a change. 

Average Vehicle Battery Life 

Talk to different drivers and you’re likely to get different answers. Some drivers may suggest waiting five or six years to change a car battery. Others may suggest waiting as little as one to two years. In general, scheduling a MOPAR® battery change every three to four years is a good way to avoid issues. 

Like oil changes,tire service, andbrake service, car battery replacement is a crucial part of routine vehicle maintenance. Having your battery inspected is part of regular service visits, even if it’s still working properly. It’s important to remember that there are a lot of factors that can negatively affect battery life. 

Factors That Can Shorten Battery Life 

Over time, driving habits and location can shorten car battery life, resulting in the need for battery changes before three or four years: 

• Driving Habits: If you don’t drive much, and tend to leave your vehicle sitting for long periods of time, you could be weakening your car’s battery. During your commute, try taking the longer scenic route, so your car’s battery has more time to charge. Also, make sure you never leave the power on when the ignition is off. Leaving an interior light on overnight can easily drain the battery. 
• Climate & Location: Driving in a hot climate year-round will weaken your battery more than if you drive in a cooler climate. 

What Are the Signs Your Car Battery is Low? 

If you don’t know the signs of a failing car battery, you probably won’t notice there’s a problem until your car won’t start. Here are the signs to look for: 

• Check engine light is on 
• The engine is slow to start 
• Car lights are dim
• Electric issues (cell phone charger, heated seats, etc. aren’t working) 
• Connectors for the battery are corroded 
• The battery case looks warped or misshapen 

The most obvious sign that your battery is nearing the end of its life is age. If your car battery is approaching three years old, you’ll want to visit us for a battery load test to make sure it’s still working properly. 

Schedule a MOPAR® Car Battery Change in San Antonio! 

Here at San Antonio Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM, we take great pride in offering expert MOPAR® car battery services to Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM, FIAT®, and Alfa Romeo drivers in the Boerne area. Now that you know how long car batteries last, you can plan ahead for your next replacement. Get in touch with us online or by phone at 210-405-1562 to learn more about how we can work for you. Better yet, explore our service coupons for incredible savings!