How Long do Car Batteries Last?

How long car batteries last can vary depending on use, climate, and what type of battery you have. If you find yourself asking, “why does my car battery keep dying?”, it may be time for a car battery replacement. Learn about the factors that affect car battery lifespan from the team at our service center in Wheeling, then see about getting a car battery replacement so that you can get back on Washington, PA roads.

The Factors That Affect How Long Car Batteries Last

A few factors can affect the lifespan of Steubenville, OH-area drivers’ car batteries. Typically, car batteries last around 3-5 years. However, certain activities can quickly drain your car battery or shorten its lifespan. Here are some examples:

• Infrequent Use of Your Vehicle: Driving your car charges your battery. Don’t let your car sit for too long unattended, because your battery will eventually drain. Repeated discharge and recharge can kill an otherwise perfectly fine battery.

• Too Much Corrosion: Over time your battery terminals can become corroded. With enough corrosion, your battery’s terminals will fail. Use battery corrosion washers and a wire brush to clean off corrosion. Dielectric grease can then help you keep corrosion away.

• Powering Accessories for Long Periods: If you leave your car with the lights on, sit with the radio and air conditioning on when the car’s off, or use your car to power accessories when otherwise not driving, your battery will drain. Repeated draining and recharging shortens the lifespan of your battery.

• Exposure to Extreme Heat: Some car batteries come with heat blankets or shields to protect them from the hot elements under your car’s hood. Don’t remove these! Exposure to consistent extreme heat, whether from your car’s engine or from the ambient environment can shorten the lifespan of your battery.

If your vehicle repeatedly encounters these problems, you may have your answer to “why does my car battery keep dying?”

Signs Your Battery is Nearing the End of its Life

There are a few different signs that let you know your battery may be about to die. We’ve listed the signs for you here so that you and other Martins Ferry, OH drivers can check for yourselves:

• Your Car is Slow to Start: If your car’s starting cadence starts to slow down, it could be that your battery is drained. Take it to have its charge checked.

• Leakage or Corrosion: Check the terminals of your battery and your battery tray for signs of acid or corrosion. Corrosion will look like a white or bluish powder. Corrosion doesn’t necessarily mean your battery is about to fail, but can lead to a failed terminal. Leakage, on the other hand, can indicate a structural failure of the battery.

• A Sudden Click or No-Start: If your car won’t start and when you turn the key you hear a click or buzzing, your battery is dead. You’ll need a jump-start and should go get a replacement immediately.

• A Very Bad Smell: Sulfuric acid smells like rotten eggs. If you smell rotten eggs, your battery may have a serious leak. This is usually caused by a structural failure or overcharging.

Get Your Car Battery Replacement at Elm Grove Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

If you’ve been asking “why does my car battery keep dying?” schedule service with us here at Elm Grove Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. We can check the voltage on your battery, and assess whether it’s time for you to get a replacement. If you want more information on how to care for your car, check out our other service tips!