Your car relies on its battery to create an electrical spark to ignite fuel in the engine. It also uses power from the battery to run the radio, cab lights, and other electrical components in the car. No source of energy lasts forever, and if you haven’t replaced your battery before, you might be wondering when yours will be due for a replacement. The guide below explains how long a car battery typically lasts and what you should know about battery failure.

What Factors Impact Battery Lifespan

On average, you can expect your vehicle’s battery to last anywhere from four to six years. However, a wide range of environmental and driving habit factors affect total lifespan. If you live in a climate that experiences temperature extremes, these will also affect your battery. Hot summers will reduce the total number of use cycles a battery will undergo and cold winters will reduce the full charge capacity.

The way you drive will also alter your battery’s lifespan. If you live in a town where you make many short trips and don’t drive for a long time very often, your battery will wear down faster. That’s because it recharges as the car runs—if that charging is cut short, the total capacity of the battery will diminish. Leaving your car lights on will also drain charge and leave you with a lower overall capacity.

Signs of a Failing Battery

You should know the signs of an aging battery before it leaves you stranded and in need of a jump. If the car is slow to start as you turn the key in the ignition, the battery may be having trouble providing enough power to the spark plugs. Alternatively, a car battery case that’s swelling or corroded is also in need of replacement.

If you need a new car battery to keep your vehicle running smoothly, visit Miamitown Auto Parts & Recycling in Cleves, OH. With two locations on Harrison Pike and Route 128, and serving the Tri-State area, they’re your source for new and used auto parts, as well as scrap metal recycling. Have a junker that won’t drive? They’ll tow it to their lot. To learn more about their services, call (513) 353-1111 or visit them online.