How Long Do Car Batteries Last?

Your car battery is one of the most important components of your vehicle, but just like any other battery, it will eventually run out of charge and need to be replaced. So, how long do car batteries last on average in Merriam, KS? In general, you’ll have to bring your car in for a car battery change every three to four years, and there are some key signs to look for that indicate that your battery is failing. While the average vehicle battery life is three to four years, this varies based on a few important factors. The service team at Porsche Kansas City has more information in the guide below – check it out!
Average Vehicle Battery Life
Everyone has a different bit of conventional wisdom when it comes to the average vehicle battery life. Some drivers bring their cars in for a car battery change after just one or two years, while others wait as long as five or six years to get their batteries replaced. As we discussed above, if you don’t know the details of your specific battery, waiting three to four years is generally a good idea. Car battery inspection and replacement is part of your vehicle’s regularly-scheduled service, alongside things like oil changes and brake inspection. When you bring your car in for service, our service team will check out the battery and tell you if it needs replacing soon.
Factors That Can Shorten Battery Life
As we said, there are some factors that can change the average vehicle battery life by three to four years. Here are two of the most important:
- Driving habits: Leaving your vehicle undriven for a long period of time will weaken the battery, whereas driving it frequently will keep the battery engaged and give it time to charge. Be sure to turn off all your lights when you turn off your car ignition, so you don’t accidentally leave something on all night and drain your battery.
- Climate and location: If you frequently drive in a hot climate, your battery will wear out faster than if you primarily drive in cooler conditions.
What Are the Signs Your Car Battery is Low?
While our service team will keep an eye on your car battery at your regular maintenance appointments, you’ll also want to monitor it yourself. If you notice any of the following signs while you’re on the Wichita, KS roads, it’s usually a sign that your battery is wearing out and will fail soon if you don’t get it replaced:
- 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
Schedule a Car Battery Change at Porsche Kansas City!
If it’s time to get your battery changed, or if you just want a member of our team to make sure everything is working properly, go ahead and schedule a service appointment on our website! We’ll check your vehicle out and get you back on the St. Louis, MO roads in no time. You can also contact our office with any questions, or for more information about the services we offer at Porsche Kansas City.