The car you drive contains many essential systems, including the set of parts that start the vehicle. Your automotive battery is at the heart of the starting system, and when it wears out, you are not going anywhere.
Many drivers have been blindsided by the unexpected failure of their vehicle’s battery, coming out to their cars only to find that the battery is dead. If you want to avoid that unpleasant and inconvenient scenario, you need to keep a close watch on your battery and replace it before it fails. Knowing the average life of a car battery is a good place to start, and there are a number of ways to gather this information.
Battery Ratings
Every vehicle battery carries a rating, and that rating is typically expressed in terms of months. Batteries rated for 36 to 48 months are common, but you can also find 60 month and even 72 month batteries.
The batteries with the highest ratings will obviously cost more, but those more costly batteries could end up being less expensive in the long run – at least if they last as long as predicted. Every driver will need to decide what is important, so they can make the best decision for themselves and the cars they drive.
Check the Sticker
When your battery was installed, the mechanic indicated the date on the sticker attached to the battery case. That makes it easier for you to check the life of your battery, and easier to replace the battery before its expected date of failure.
To see when your battery was installed, just check the sticker on the case. If your battery is rated at 48 months and it has been nearly four years since it was first installed, it is time to get a new battery – or at least have the one you already have tested for strength. If your battery is still good, you may be able to squeeze out a few more months – just be ready to buy a replacement when needed.
Make Your Battery Last Longer
Even the most expensive automotive batteries have a limited lifespan, but there are things you can do to make your existing battery last longer. Turning off your headlights, making sure the doors are locked and the interior lights are out and avoiding running the auxiliary systems with the engine off can all extend your battery life, so you can avoid unexpected starting problems and reduce the cost of owning your car.
Your battery is one of the most essential parts of your car, and you need to take good care of it. Knowing the expected battery life will help you replace it before it fails, so you can keep moving forward.
