The best time to replace your battery is before you need to. But how do you know it’s time to replace the battery if it’s not dead—yet? There is no catch-all answer for how long a car battery will last, but there are often symptoms that can suggest it's time for a replacement. Learn the signs of a dying car battery, how climate can affect yours, and when you should have it replaced with this guide.
Why Car Batteries Are So Important
Your car battery is more than just a box under the hood—it’s the heart of your vehicle’s electrical system. From starting your engine to powering essential systems such as the ignition, lights, onboard electronics, and air conditioning, your battery plays an essential role in keeping your car running smoothly. It also acts as a stabilizer for the electrical system, ensuring consistent voltage to all components.
Ignoring the signs of a failing battery can lead to vehicle performance issues, unexpected expenses, tow charges, missed commitments, and strain on other essential parts like the alternator. That’s why knowing when to change your car battery is so crucial.
What are the Symptoms of a Dying Car Battery?
Cars are good about letting you know that something is wrong, but how do you know when a car battery is bad specifically? From illuminated dashboard lights to strange smells and sounds, anything out of the ordinary indicates that your car needs help. Here are a few common warning signs of a weak battery to keep an eye out for:
1. Slow Engine Crank
When you turn the key in your ignition, does your engine struggle to start? Slow cranking is one of the earliest signs your car battery is dying or losing its charge. A healthy battery provides a quick burst of power to start the engine. If starting feels sluggish, the car engine is slow, or it takes multiple tries to start, it’s time to investigate further.
Stop by Firestone Complete Auto Care for a free battery check to determine if your battery’s charge is low or if there’s a bigger underlying issue.
2. Illuminated Battery Light
Most vehicles have a battery-shaped warning light on the dashboard, which may illuminate if your battery isn’t charging correctly or if there’s a problem with the electrical system. Don’t ignore this warning. There are many reasons your battery light might come on, but many of them point to an issue with the charging system.
3. Bloated, Misshapen Battery Case
Battery overcharging or exposure to high temperatures can cause a battery case to swell. An oddly shaped or swollen battery indicates internal damage and often means the battery is at the end of its life.
4. Dimming Lights and Electrical Issues
If your headlights seem dimmer than usual or your power windows and locks are slower to operate, it could be a sign that your battery isn’t delivering sufficient power. In this instance, it's best to schedule a battery check to rule out other electrical problems.
5. Battery Fluid Leak
Car batteries contain a mixture of water and acid, which can leak over time. Batteries tend to leak if they’re overcharged or damaged, both of which mean it’s time for a new one.
Experiencing symptoms of a bad car battery calls for a trip to the auto repair shop. However, if you haven’t noticed any of these signs, that doesn’t mean you’re completely in the clear. Many factors can drain your battery, and their impact might not be obvious until it’s too late. Testing a battery regularly can help to ensure you don't end up stranded or on the side of the road.
How Often Do Car Batteries Need to Be Replaced?
No battery can last forever. General wisdom says you should replace your car battery about every three years, but you could end up needing a replacement sooner. Factors like your climate and driving habits can affect your battery’s lifespan and leave you needing a new one before the three-year mark. To ensure you're replacing your battery in a timely fashion, consult your manufacturer's recommended service intervals and get your battery checked.
1. Consider Your Climate
Whether you live somewhere hot and humid or cold and dry, climate can negatively affect your battery. Extreme temperatures in either direction will have different effects on your battery, but the outcome is the same: a shorter battery life.
Hot Weather and Batteries
When you step outside on a super-hot day, you’re at risk of becoming dehydrated. The same is true for your car’s battery. Like our bodies, car batteries rely on liquids to keep moving. The sweltering heat of summer can lead to evaporation of water in your car’s battery acid, resulting in decreased performance, subpar starting power, and a shortened lifespan.
Furthermore, scorching temperatures can also do a number on the guts of your battery. When the heat rises and the water in your battery evaporates, the likelihood and speed of corrosion increase, and corrosion is one of the leading causes of battery drainage and malfunctions.
Cold Weather and Batteries
But wait—there’s more! Just as hot weather can lead to battery problems, cold weather can, too. When the heat index turns to wind chill, your battery needs to work harder to generate enough energy to keep your car running smoothly. Cold weather can also result in thicker engine oil, which puts an additional strain on your battery.
Don’t Let Climate Ruin Your Battery
If you live in a particularly hot climate (we’re looking at you, Phoenix) or experience an unusually cold winter (hello, Minneapolis), you might consider checking your battery more often than recommended. A free battery check at Firestone Complete Auto Care can help you determine whether your battery is worn out. The middle of nowhere is the wrong place to have a weak battery!
You can combat the harsh effects of weather on your battery by making sure you have the right battery type. When it’s time for a new battery, find one that is specifically designed for your climate. Wondering where to get your battery replaced? Firestone Complete Auto Care offers battery repair and installation services, and we carry climate-specific batteries, too.
2. Consider Your Driving Habits
How you use your car over a long period of time can affect how often you need to replace your battery. If you consistently take short trips like daily drives to the office and the grocery store, for instance, your battery may not have enough time to get fully charged between trips. This can lead to decreased performance.
Also, if your car sits in the garage or driveway for extended periods of time, its battery continues to drain passively even when the engine isn’t on. The good news is that these battery-draining habits make for great excuses to take your ride on a good ole' fashioned road trip.
3. Consider Your Battery's Age
Most car batteries last 3 to 5 years. Over time, the internal components wear out, reducing their ability to hold a charge. Although age is not always a direct predictor of when your car battery might fail, it's important to stay up to date on its replacement schedule. Even if a battery seems to be working fine, have it checked or consider a replacement once it reaches the end of its expected lifespan to avoid sudden failure.
Tips to Help Prolong Your Battery Life
While no battery lasts forever, you can take steps to maximize its lifespan and avoid premature failure:
- Regular Maintenance: Check your battery terminals regularly for signs of corrosion and clean them as needed. Keep the battery securely mounted to avoid vibrations that can damage internal components.
- Drive Longer Distances: Occasionally driving your car on longer trips helps the alternator fully recharge the battery.
- Protect Against Temperature Extremes: Park in a garage or shaded area during hot weather and use a battery blanket in extreme cold to maintain optimal temperature.
- Schedule Regular Checks: Taking advantage of Firestone Complete Auto Care’s free battery checks can help you monitor your battery’s health and address issues early. Our technicians can also assist with professional battery replacement if needed.
Car Battery Replacement Service Near Me
Every mile you drive on a past-its-prime battery is an inch closer to getting stranded. If you're considering a new battery, don’t wait until you’re stuck on the side of the road to have it replaced. Stop by your local Firestone Complete Auto Care for a free battery check.
