How Long Do Car Batteries Last?

Taking care of your vehicle is very important so it’s always good to know when it’s time to get parts replaced. So the question is: How long do car batteries last? Generally, new batteries should be installed every three to four years, but just know that this number can vary from vehicle to vehicle.

Always make sure you pay attention to your car’s signs and symptoms that will alert you to a dying car battery so you can schedule your vehicle at your Tenafly service center for inspection and repair around Fort Lee. Just keep in mind that there are many different factors that can affect the average vehicle battery life span.

Factors That Can Shorten Battery Life

Over time, driving habits and location can shorten car battery life, resulting in the need for battery changes before three or four years:

• Driving Habits: Despite what it may seem, not driving your car for long periods of time and simply letting it sit does negatively affect your battery. Driving itself charges the battery so taking the longer route can actually be beneficial in charging the battery more.
• Lights: Make sure you don’t leave the power on when the ignition is off. Leaving an interior light on overnight can and will drain the battery.
• Climate & Location: Heat weakens the battery so driving in a hotter climate will shorten the battery lifespan over driving in a cooler climate

What Are the Signs Your Car Battery is Low?

Not that many people pay attention to the battery until the car doesn’t start but you’ll be happy to know there are signs and symptoms you can look for that will clue you in before that happens. Some of these signs include:

• Check engine light is on
• Car lights are dimmed
• The engine cranks slowly
• Electrical components like the cell phone charger, heated seats, etc. are no longer being powered
• Connectors for the battery are corroded
• The battery case is warped or misshapen

Like any other part of your car requiring regular maintenance, It’s always good to make sure you take a look at your battery and connectors every so often in order to identify any issues. You don’t want to wait until it’s an emergency! If your car battery is approaching three years old, you’ll want to visit our service center for a battery load test to make sure it’s still working properly.

Schedule a Car Battery Change at BMW of Tenafly!

At BMW of Tenafly, we’re proud to offer expert battery service for your vehicle near Cresskill. Now that you know how to best care for your vehicle battery, you can drive without worry around your Closter roads. Contact us to learn more about our battery services and our current service offers in Tenafly today!