How Often Should You Replace a Car Battery?

Are you tired of trying to find the jumper cables all the time you want to start your car? How often should you replace a car battery?  This is a question that many car owners ask because they are worried about being stranded in a parking lot or on the side of a road.  A dead car battery is a frustrating inconvenience that can be avoided.  The best time to replace your battery is before it dies.

But how do you know how often should replace a car battery?  There are several signs that indicate it is time for a car battery replacement, such as:

• Slow engine crank
• Illuminated check engine light
• The Bloated, misshaped battery case
• Battery fluid leak

The typical lifespan of a car battery is between 3 to 5 years. Depending on the climate where you live and your driving habits, you may be looking at a car battery replacement before the end of 3 years.

• How does climate affect your battery?  The heat of summer can lead to the evaporation of water in the car’s battery acid, resulting in decreased performance, subpar starting power, and a shortened lifetime.  When the temperatures are chill, your battery wants to work harder to generate enough energy to keep your car running smoothly. Icy weather can also result in thicker engine oil, which puts an additional strain on your battery.
• How does your driving affect how long your battery will last?  If you consistently take short trips like daily drives to the office and the grocery store, your battery doesn’t have enough running time to recharge fully between stops. Also, if your car sits in the garage for extended periods of time, the battery continues to drain passively even when the engine isn’t on.

Even without any warning signs, a general rule of thumb is that you should replace your car battery about every 3 years.  

Are you wondering about how often should you replace a car battery?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about a car battery replacement and to make an appointment.  Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.