You know the old saying, “Out of sight, out of mind.” Unfortunately, this is often what happens with your car battery. Some drivers forget all about the condition of their car battery, until one day, their car won’t start because of a dead battery! This may bring you to ask, “How often should you replace your car battery?”
Under normal driving conditions, your car battery could last from three years and possibly up to five years before becoming worn out. If you drive under “severe” conditions, that time could even be shorter. After a new car battery replacement, have the strength of your battery checked each time you visit your auto shop for other services. After a battery reaches the four-year mark, it can become completely unreliable.
So do you know how often should you replace your car battery? Even though the manufacturers provide a guideline for the expected life of a battery, there are a few things that you can do to help it last a little longer:
- Avoid Short Rides. A battery can’t fully charge during short rides. Driving frequently and for longer periods of time will help maintain the charge.
- Tighten Connections. A loose battery can vibrate, damaging the circuits or inside the engine.
- Turn Off Lights—Shut the Door. Leaving the headlights on overnight or leaving the door open with the interior light on can completely drain your battery’s charge.
- Keep the Terminals Clean. Corrosion builds up on the terminals and should be cleaned off periodically.
- Test Voltage. Frequently testing the output voltage on your battery will keep you aware of its condition.
- Turn Off Accessories. Turn off electrical accessories (such as the radio or air conditioner) when idling or have the motor turned off.
- Regular Tune-Ups. When the spark plugs and motor are clean and running smoothly, your battery doesn’t have to work as hard.
- Storing Your Vehicle. Storing your vehicle in a warm dry place helps your battery last longer.
Ignoring a weak battery may leave you stranded, calling for a tow truck and a car battery replacement.
Need to know more about how often should you replace your car battery? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about a car battery replacement and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
You know the old saying, “Out of sight, out of mind.” Unfortunately, this is often what happens with your car battery. Some drivers forget all about the condition of their car battery, until one day, their car won’t start because of a dead battery! This may bring you to ask, “How often should you replace your car battery?”
Under normal driving conditions, your car battery could last from three years and possibly up to five years before becoming worn out. If you drive under “severe” conditions, that time could even be shorter. After a new car battery replacement, have the strength of your battery checked each time you visit your auto shop for other services. After a battery reaches the four-year mark, it can become completely unreliable.
So do you know how often should you replace your car battery? Even though the manufacturers provide a guideline for the expected life of a battery, there are a few things that you can do to help it last a little longer:
- Avoid Short Rides. A battery can’t fully charge during short rides. Driving frequently and for longer periods of time will help maintain the charge.
- Tighten Connections. A loose battery can vibrate, damaging the circuits or inside the engine.
- Turn Off Lights—Shut the Door. Leaving the headlights on overnight or leaving the door open with the interior light on can completely drain your battery’s charge.
- Keep the Terminals Clean. Corrosion builds up on the terminals and should be cleaned off periodically.
- Test Voltage. Frequently testing the output voltage on your battery will keep you aware of its condition.
- Turn Off Accessories. Turn off electrical accessories (such as the radio or air conditioner) when idling or have the motor turned off.
- Regular Tune-Ups. When the spark plugs and motor are clean and running smoothly, your battery doesn’t have to work as hard.
- Storing Your Vehicle. Storing your vehicle in a warm dry place helps your battery last longer.
Ignoring a weak battery may leave you stranded, calling for a tow truck and a car battery replacement.
Need to know more about how often should you replace your car battery? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about a car battery replacement and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
