How Long Does a Car Battery Last?
Cars are built to last many thousands of miles, perfect for years of reliable transportation in the Meridian, Philadelphia, and Laurel, Mississippi, area. However, without the proper battery care, you won’t be going anywhere. Batteries typically last about five years, but you’ll have to maintain them to take advantage of their full lifespan.
At BMW of Meridian, our service center is dedicated to helping your vehicle run smoothly well into the future. Below, you’ll learn all about how long car batteries last, when it’s time for a new one, and what you can do to extend your battery’s life.
Car Battery Lifespans Explained
If you’re like many vehicle owners, you’ve probably asked yourself: “How long does a car battery last?” Though the typical lifespan of your battery can last about five years with proper maintenance, this duration may change depending on your driving habits.
- Warm Climates: Mississippi is known for seeing some pretty hot weather throughout the year. In this type of climate, sulfate crystals can form on your battery, which causes it to wear down quicker. Unfortunately, this may mean you’ll need to replace your car battery more often.
- Stop & Go Travel: If you find yourself in rush-hour or stop-and-go traffic daily, you might be decreasing your battery’s lifespan as well. Continually braking and accelerating doesn’t give enough time for your alternator to recharge, so it has to exert more energy. The result? Your battery wears down quicker.
- Short Trips: The same logic is used if you frequently take short trips (commutes that are less than 15 minutes). With limited time to properly recharge, your battery uses more power, meaning it might last less than five years.
How to Make Your Car Battery Last Longer
Though we can’t always control the traffic and weather conditions around us, there are some things you can do to prolong your battery’s life. Here are some tips to get the most out of your car battery:
- Limit short rides.
- Have your battery terminal checked regularly to ensure it’s tightly fastened.
- Turn off the lights and electrical system when you exit the vehicle.
- Have your battery cleaned to reduce corrosion.
- Schedule routine maintenance for your battery as well as your whole vehicle.
Signs You Need a New Car Battery
Even with perfect care, your battery won’t last forever. Luckily enough, your vehicle will let you know when it’s time for a replacement. As it could result in your car becoming disabled in dangerous situations, don’t hesitate to schedule your battery replacement when you first notice these warnings:
- Your Check Battery dashboard light is on.
- You have issues starting the vehicle.
- There’s a rotten egg smell in the cabin.
- You’re noticing electrical issues in your vehicle.
Receive Professional Battery Service at BMW of Meridian
If it’s time for a new battery, you require battery maintenance, or are in need of battery repairs, turn to the pros in our service center. We proudly serve all drivers in the Meridian, Philadelphia, and Laurel, MS, area, and can ensure your vehicle has the battery power it needs to stay on the road. Schedule your appointment today!