How Long Do Car Batteries Last?

The car battery is an important component of your vehicle that works with other mechanisms, such as the alternator, to crank the engine. Though the alternator takes over a portion of the electrical job when you are driving, the battery is required to start your vehicle and to keep it running. No car battery-no go. If you are like most drivers in Turnersville, Cherry Hill, Mount Laurel, avoiding a dead car battery is a top priority. Being stuck with a dead battery is quite an inconvenience so, naturally, most drivers wonder how long their vehicle's battery will last. 

The best way to avoid your car battery dying is to have it checked at your regular maintenance service appointments. Do not get caught up by a dead car battery-swing by Prestige Subaru in Turnersville and let our staff of professional mechanics ensure that you are driving with a car battery that you can trust for years to come. 

Here is a basic overview of how long a car battery generally lasts.

How Does a Battery Work? 

Your car battery provides a jolt of electrical charge that powers every single electrical component of your vehicle. That is a huge job! In fact, some consider the car battery as the heart of a vehicle. Knowing how your battery works is the first step to ensuring its longevity. 

A battery is actually quite simple. The chemical energy that is held within the battery, created by acids, is converted into electrical energy when a switch is opened as you turn the ignition key. This switch remains open, and the current keeps flowing, so long as your car is cranked.

Factors that Influence Battery Life

Even if you have a newer, good quality battery in your vehicle, there are certain factors that can drain the charge and make it seem as if your battery has died. High temperatures and humidity are common culprits for draining a battery quicker. The heat and humidity cause water loss and solidification, which are both very bad for a vehicle battery. Make sure to take care of your car battery in the humid New Jersey summers. 

The Life of Your Battery 

Under normal conditions, in a place where the temperatures are mild for most of the year and humidity is low, drivers can expect their car battery to last up to six years. Taking care of your vehicle's battery will extend its lifespan. Always unplug electronics that you keep in the car, and take special care to not leave your lights on. 

If you notice that your vehicle is taking longer to crank, your battery is swelling or any indicator on your dashboard that prompts you to have your battery checked, it might be time for a new one. Are you a driver in the areas of Turnersville, Cherry Hill, Mount Laurel or the surrounding areas? Be sure to stop by Prestige Subaru and let us take care of all of your vehicle maintenance needs.