How Often Do Car Batteries Need to be Replaced?
- by Joe Weber - updated on 7/8/2024
Car batteries are one of those things most of us don't think about until it's too late. As long as they turn over our engine every morning, it's easy to put them out of mind.
Your battery's not going to last forever though (wouldn't that be nice) and if you ignore the warning signs for too long you can find yourself stranded on the side of the road or in your work parking lot when all you want to do is go home.
How Long Do Car Batteries Last?
In general, a typical car battery lasts between three and five years, although its life can be longer or shorter depending on several factors like how you drive and how well the battery is maintained. Short "stop and go" trips harm batteries and can shorten your battery's life if taken frequently enough. Climate plays a role in battery life too, with both high heat and extreme cold harming vehicle batteries.
When Should Car Batteries Be Replaced?
You might be asking yourself, "How do I know when my car needs a new battery?" Here are some of the common signs that your car battery might need to be replaced.
- It might take multiple attempts to start your car or truck or be very slow to crank.
- You frequently need to jump-start the car.
- The radio, windows and other electronics won't work as efficiently.
- Your headlights are dimmer than they should be.
- You may notice a foul smell coming from the battery.
You can also look at the battery itself. If you find corrosion on the terminals, or the battery itself has a misshapen appearance or is damaged, you should replace it.
How Do You Test a Car Battery?
One way to test your car battery's performance is with the use of a multimeter. A multimeter is a handheld device used to measure electrical voltage, resistance and continuity. They can be purchased at many big box retailers and hardware stores.
To test your battery, follow these simple steps:
- Set the multimeter to read voltage.
- Make sure the ignition is off.
- Wipe away any grease, grime or corrosion to guarantee a good connection.
- Touch the multimeter's probes to the correct corresponding terminals on the battery (negative to negative, positive to positive) to receive a reading.
- A healthy, charged battery should be between 12.4 and 12.7 volts.
To learn more about testing your car battery at home, please read our helpful how-to guide: "How-To: Test a Car Battery With a Multimeter?".
Does Batteries Plus Test Car Batteries?
If you don't have a multimeter or don't feel comfortable testing the battery yourself you can always stop into your nearest Batteries Plus. Our staff will be happy to check your vehicle's battery for free and let you know if it's time for a replacement.
If you're worried about your battery's performance, be sure to have it checked as soon as possible, especially before taking any long trips, or if there's extreme weather on the horizon.
How Much Does a Car Battery Cost to Replace?
When it comes to car batteries you have a lot of options to fit any budget.
Budget-friendly: A typical flooded automotive battery will cost around $185 to $200 to replace. If your vehicle has a large battery it can reach upwards of $300. Flooded batteries are great for everyday use or in vehicles that you may plan on selling in the near future.
Mid-Range: AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries are slightly more expensive and retail for around $185 to $399. Though they cost more, AGM batteries have several advantages over standard flooded batteries. They're more durable and spill-proof, making them safer to handle. They also recharge faster and provide more engine starts during their lifespan.
High-Performance: Brands like X2Power and Optima are the best of the best, the battery to get for the enthusiast, sportsman or off-roader. Ranging anywhere from $250 to $399 they offer the most durability and power in an automotive battery and are designed to easily withstand extreme temperatures and vibrations.
X2Power Batteries are the Best Auto Batteries for Your Car or Truck
If you demand the best for your car or truck, check out our exclusive premium X2Power batteries. X2Power batteries utilize Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) technology to provide more power and a longer overall lifespan.
An X2Power battery will last 3X longer than a flooded battery, meaning you'll probably save money throughout the battery's life. Learn more about X2Power in our blog "X2Power is the Best Battery Brand for Your Car, Truck or Boat."
What Happens if You Don't Replace Your Battery?
You don't want to put off replacing a dying battery for too long. As a battery gets closer to its end of life, it will become less and less reliable. Eventually, it will lose the ability to turn over your engine, forcing you to jumpstart your vehicle to get it running. Don't wait for that to happen. If your battery is past its prime, replace it before it's too late.
Get Your Battery Replaced at Batteries Plus
Shop our selection of car and truck batteries for any make, model or year. Each of our batteries comes with a warranty good at any of our locations nationwide. Plus, we offer expert car battery replacement service on most vehicles at most of our locations - you don't even have to make an appointment! In addition, we can help you get rid of your old battery responsibly through our battery recycling program.
If you'd like to learn more about this subject, we have plenty of helpful articles in our blog. Some related topics include "How Far Do I Need to Drive to Charge My Car Battery?" and "How Many Cold Cranking Amps Do I Need for Cold Weather?"