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How Long Does a Car Battery Last?

How Long Does a Car Battery Last?

Wednesday, 16 October 2024

While there are many benefits to owning a car, there are also duties involved, such as monitoring your vehicle’s battery. The battery powers your car’s electrical system, supplying the energy required to turn on your engine, turn on your lights, and maintain the operation of all those gadgets. However, automobile batteries have a limited lifespan. So, what is the average lifespan of an automobile battery, and what can you do to extend its life? Let’s take a closer look at this subject.

 

Understanding Battery Life

An automobile battery typically lasts three to five years. However, several variables, such as the environment, driving style, and upkeep techniques, can affect this longevity.

1. Climate and Temperature

Both hot and cold extremes can significantly affect battery life. In hot weather, the fluid in a battery may evaporate, resulting in internal damage and decreased capacity. Conversely, low temperatures can hinder the battery’s ability to produce enough energy to start the engine by slowing down the chemical reactions inside the battery.

If you live in a region with severe weather, you may need to replace your battery more frequently. Routine inspections and appropriate maintenance can prevent any possible problems.

2. Driving Habits

The way you drive also significantly impacts how long your battery lasts. Short excursions might reduce the battery’s lifespan because they don’t give it enough time to recharge fully. Long, steady driving, however, can support maintaining a fully charged and healthy battery.

If your automobile is left idle for extended periods, its battery may gradually drain, creating a “dead battery.” You can maintain the battery’s health by occasionally driving your automobile or using a trickle charger.

 

How to Extend the Car Battery Life

1. Regular Maintenance

Your battery requires routine maintenance, just like any other car component, to keep in good condition. This entails keeping the battery clean, making sure the battery is placed firmly, and inspecting the battery terminals for corrosion. Use a solution of baking soda and water to remove any corrosion that appears on the battery terminals. Corrosion is usually indicated by a white, powdery material. Frequent upkeep can stop minor problems from growing into bigger ones.

2. Avoid Short Trips

As previously noted, short excursions may prevent your battery from fully recharging, reducing its lifespan. Attempt to make shorter journeys into longer ones or think about going for a longer drive in your car at least once a week. This will maintain the battery’s health and allow it to fully recharge.

3. Limit the Use of Electronics When the Engine is Off

When the engine is off, using your automobile’s air conditioning, lighting, or radio might deplete the battery. Restrict how often you use these capabilities when your automobile isn’t running. To prevent undue stress on the battery, it is advisable to use the lights and listen to the radio while the engine is running.

4. Keep the Battery Secure

Excessive vibrations from a loose battery might cause internal damage and shorten lifespan. Ensure that your battery is installed firmly, and check it frequently to ensure it isn’t shifting. Have a mechanic inspect it during your next service if you need more clarification.

5. Store Your Car Properly

If you leave your car unattended for a long time, you might consider the battery or utilizing a trickle charger to keep it charged. This may keep the battery from entirely draining, which could be harmful and necessitate an earlier battery replacement.

 

When to Replace a Car Battery

Even the most excellent maintenance techniques can only make a battery survive for a while. To prevent finding yourself stuck with a dead battery, knowing when to replace your car battery is imperative.

1. Signs Your Battery Is Failing

There are several warning signs that your battery may be on its way out:

  • Slow Engine Crank: If your engine takes longer to start than usual, it could be a sign that your battery is losing its charge.
  • Dashboard Warning Light: Many cars have a battery warning light on the dashboard. If this light comes on, it’s a sign of a problem with your battery or charging system.
  • Swollen Battery Case: A swollen or bulging battery indicates that it has overheated. This can happen in hot climates or if the battery has been overcharged. A swollen battery should be replaced immediately.
  • Old Age: If your battery is more than 3 to 5 years old, it’s a good idea to have it tested. Even if it is working fine, it may be nearing the end of its lifespan.

2. How to Test a Car Battery

Car battery testing is easy and can be performed at home or at a service shop. Many auto parts businesses offer free battery testing. You can use a multimeter to measure the voltage of your battery; if it is less than 12.4 volts, it may be deteriorating.

 

Car Battery Prices NZ

If you live in New Zealand, you may be wondering how much it will cost to replace your car battery. The cost of a car battery in New Zealand might vary depending on its kind, brand, and retailer.

1. Average Car Battery Prices

In New Zealand, automobile batteries typically cost between $150 and $350. More sophisticated batteries, such as AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) or EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery), are typically more expensive than lead-acid batteries.

2. Factors Influencing Price

Several factors can influence the price of a car battery:

  • Battery Type: As previously indicated, lead-acid batteries are less expensive than AGM and EFB batteries, which have superior longevity and performance.
  • Battery Brand: Due to their well-known reputation for dependability and quality, well-known manufacturers like Bosch, Century, and Exide are typically more expensive.
  • Warranty: Longer-term battery warranties are typically more expensive. Knowing that you’re covered in the event of a malfunction might be a source of comfort from a lengthier warranty.

3. Where to Buy

In New Zealand, car batteries can be purchased from a variety of places, including online retailers, service stations, and auto parts stores. To find the best deal, it’s a good idea to compare prices across these outlets, and many stores also offer installation services. If you’re an AA member, you can contact AA (0800 500 222) for assistance, and the service is free for members. Non-members will be charged a $100 call-out fee, but if you purchase an AA battery, the call-out fee is waived. For more information, you can visit their website.

 

Conclusion: Keep an Eye on Your Car Battery

You can avoid wasting time, money, or frustration by learning how long an automobile battery lasts and how to prolong its life. Maintaining the smooth operation of your car depends on routine maintenance, prudent driving practices, and understanding when to replace your batteries. The best defense against unreliability in your automobile is knowledge, whether you want to locate the best car battery prices in NZ, replace your car battery, or prolong its lifespan.

 

Wish to buy a New Car and Need Finance Help? Consider Kiwi Car Loans!

Kiwi Car Loans offer competitive vehicle finance with a wide range of lenders. Sitting in between lenders and customers, out team provides professional and efficient service to find affordable finance options for your next car, motorbike, caravan, boat or jet-ski. We have a strong relationship with dealerships and lenders nationwide and offer a 100% online process with excellent customer service. Apply for finance now or use our calculator to secure the best car finance deals in NZ. Or call us today on 0800 448 734.

 

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