Do I Need A New Car Battery?

Power - by Joe Weber - updated on 10/25/2024

Each day, your battery consistently powers the starter to crank the engine in your car or truck. But what happens when your battery is at the end of its lifespan? Today, we'll cover some essential battery questions, including how long you can expect your battery to last, how to jump-start a vehicle, and how to recognize when it's time for a replacement.

How Long Should a Car or Truck Battery Last?

A standard car battery typically lasts between three and five years, but this can vary depending on several key factors:

• Driving Habits:

  • Frequent short trips can cause your battery to drain faster since it needs more time to recharge fully.
  • Regular long-distance driving helps keep the battery charged and can extend its lifespan.

• Local Climate:

  • Heat: Intense heat can cause the battery fluid to evaporate, leading to internal damage and a shorter lifespan.
  • Cold: Extreme cold can reduce the battery's capacity, making it harder to start your vehicle and potentially shortening its overall life.

• Other Considerations:

  • Proper maintenance and regular checks can help you catch issues early, potentially extending the battery's life.
  • Investing in a high-quality battery may also provide better durability and performance in various conditions.

How Do You Jump Start a Vehicle?

So, what should you do if your car won't start? If you have jumper cables and another vehicle nearby, you can jump-start your dead battery. Jump-starting is safe and straightforward as long as you follow the correct steps.

For more details, check out our guide on 5 Easy Steps to Jump Start Your Car.

No other vehicle around? That's not a problem if you have a jump pack handy. Also known as a jump starter, these useful devices allow you to jump-start your car battery if you're stranded alone. Jump packs are available in different amperages to suit various types of vehicles.

Unfortunately, jump-starting your vehicle is just a temporary fix and you shouldn't expect your battery to last much longer if this is a frequent occurrence.

How Do You Know When It's Time to Replace Your Car Battery?

If your car battery is on its way out, there are several warning signs you can watch for. Recognizing these early indicators can save you from unexpected breakdowns and help you address the issue before it becomes a bigger problem. Here are some common symptoms that your battery might be failing:

Slow Starts

Engines naturally start more slowly in cold weather, especially when temperatures drop to freezing or below. However, if you notice your engine struggling to start even when it's not cold outside, it could be a sign that your battery is on its way out.

Lights and Power but No Crank

If your lights, radio, and locks are working, but you hear a "click" or experience a slow crank followed by a click when you turn the key, there's a good chance your battery is failing to deliver enough power to start the engine.

Check Engine Light or Battery Light On

The check engine light can indicate various issues, ranging from minor to serious. It could also signal a problem with your battery. Regardless of the cause, it's important to take your vehicle to a mechanic promptly to get it checked out.

Corrosion on Terminals and Connectors

While corrosion on the battery terminals and connectors isn't a definite sign of a bad battery, it is a leading cause of premature battery failure. Excessive corrosion could indicate that your battery is heading toward trouble.

Swollen Battery

A battery that has become swollen is a sign that it's being significantly overcharged, causing a buildup of hydrogen gas faster than it can dissipate. This issue is often due to a faulty voltage regulator on the alternator. It's crucial to see your mechanic immediately if you notice this.

Your Battery is Old

It may seem obvious, but the age of your battery greatly impacts its performance and reliability. If it's over the 3-5 year lifespan it would be a good idea to have the battery tested and/or replaced.

To learn more about the telltale signs of battery failure, read our blog "Know When It's Time to Replace Your Car Battery".

How Do You Tell if It's Your Battery or Alternator or Starter?

The easiest way to narrow down the issue and determine if the problem is with your battery, starter, or alternator is to do a simple jump-start test.

Begin by connecting a jumper box or jumper cables from a good vehicle's battery to your own. After a few moments, try starting your vehicle.

• If it doesn't start, the issue may be with the starter. Even with a fully charged battery, your car won't start if the starter isn't working.
• If it starts but dies when you disconnect the jumper cables, the alternator is likely the problem, as it's not providing the necessary current to keep your vehicle running.
• If it starts and continues running after removing the jumper cables, it's a strong sign that your battery is dead, and you might need a new one or a recharge.

Have Your Battery Tested at Batteries Plus

The easiest way to find out if your battery is bad is to have it tested. At Batteries Plus, we provide this service for free at over 700 locations. Our in-store experts will thoroughly test your battery, starter, and alternator to pinpoint any problems.

If you need a new battery, we stock high-quality options for nearly every make and model, including durable AGM batteries. We also offer battery installation for most vehicles at many of our locations. You can even book your arrival time online for added convenience. Want to dive deeper into battery care? Take a look at our Top 6 Car Battery Maintenance Tips for Summer Weather.