How Long Does a Car Battery Last?
From time to time, we’ve each likely been surprised to find that our car won’t start due to a dead battery. Although a common issue amongst drivers, the fix is relatively simple with the right resources. Nevertheless, it’s important to know how long a car battery may last to prevent any further surprises.
Ira Toyota of Orleans has you covered through thick and thin. We want our drivers around Orleans, Eastham, and Harwich, Massachusetts, to experience seamless driving no matter what.
Car Battery Longevity Depends on a Few Things
There’s no clear-cut answer regarding how long your car battery can last. Because there are so many variables at play with your vehicle’s components, a car battery doesn’t use a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, its longevity is determined by internal and external factors.
Though, you can generally expect a battery to last between three and five years before they begin to fail. Below, we’ve laid out some of the most common causes which can shorten the life of your battery.
Where You Live
The bitter cold New England temperatures play as pivotal of a role in your battery’s longevity as our humid summers do. This is due to the battery inflicting a large amount of harsh under-the-hood conditions brought on by outside factors.
One such solution in warm climates is to install a heat shield over the battery. Another solution would be to reposition the battery to sit outside of the engine compartment. However, this route may require more time and money to implement.
Nevertheless, vehicles that primarily drive in exceptionally warm climates can expect a shorter battery lifespan.
How You Drive
Car batteries gradually deteriorate each time the engine is turned on and put into use. As a result, infrequent driving habits can oftentimes lead to a shorter battery life. For instance, you may spend one half of the year driving every few days with less than 10 miles per-day—only to then drive the car longer distances with more consistency later in the year.
This is one example of driving habits influencing the life of your battery. If you’re able, stay consistent with your driving habits as to not accidentally overwork the battery.
Installing the Correct Battery
There are two common types of car batteries: conventional lead-acid, or advanced AGM. Each car is different and may not work with the same battery type. Should you purchase and install the wrong battery type for your vehicle, you may find yourself with a shorter-than-expected lifespan due to its mechanical needs.
If you’re unsure which battery is best suited for your car, we’re just a phone call or online message away.
Car Batteries Carry a Finite Lifespan
The next time you find yourself searching for answers regarding your car’s battery, know that you can refer to this page. The crass summer and winter weather near Orleans, Eastham, and Harwich, MA, may be determined to shorten your battery’s life, but we have you covered.
The team at Ira Toyota of Orleans is always around to tackle the questions you have about how long your battery may last, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re available online and over the phone.
