How Long Do Car Batteries Last? 

You turn your ignition switch and…nothing. It’s like your key isn’t even connected to your engine. You know without a doubt that your car battery’s life has expired. How did that happen? 

If you or a loved one is driving late at night, or on a desolate road, or in rush hour traffic, the last thing you need is auto troubles. That’s why you have car insurance. But it’s also a good reason to learn how long car batteries last in new cars and to think about purchasing roadside assistance as an add-on. 

Unpacking the Lifespan of a Car Battery 

It always seems to be at the worst possible time that your car breaks down, and you discover your car’s battery life has come to an end. It’s when you get into your car and expect to back out of the driveway and head to work in the morning. Or late at night, when one of your driving-age kids is trying to leave a lonely parking lot. 

It’s when you’re in a rush or a loved one is at a sketchy location after sundown. That’s why it’s important to know how long car batteries last, even in new cars. 

Average Car Battery Life 

How long do car batteries last in new cars? In general, if you’re driving a new vehicle, you won’t have to worry about power issues for another three to five years. However, there are many factors that can lower that life expectancy to two years or so or extend it to seven or longer. 

So, how often should a car battery be replaced? Most experts recommend checking your vehicle’s power system annually after the three-year mark and planning for a replacement around every 3–5 years, depending on your driving habits and climate. 

What Determines a Car Battery’s Lifespan? 

Leading “aging” factors include the duration of driving trips and extremely high or low temperatures. Take a closer look. 

Driving Habits Impact Battery Life 

If you use your auto mostly to take to the open road and drive long distances, it’s likely that your batteries will last longer than if you live in a city and typically use the vehicle in traffic. Constant stop-and-start activity takes more out of batteries than steadier driving activity. 

Therefore, if you use your vehicle mostly to run errands and pick up and drop off the kids to and from school and activities, you might have to go car battery shopping sooner than if you have long highway commutes. 

Also, average car battery life is determined in part by how often you use the vehicle. If it’s your family’s only ride, it’s probably going up and down your driveway several times a day. If, however, it’s your second car or you more often take public transportation, walk, or bike, the system powering your vehicle may last longer. (Same with your tires, brakes, and other parts.) 

Environmental Factors Impact Your Car Battery Life, Too 

Just like some people, your car battery can go crazy with the heat. Or at least prematurely lose a little lifespan when temperatures stay high. The extreme cold can also play havoc on batteries. 

In other words, if you live or drive in an environment where temperatures are typically extremely high or low, you’re not doing this critical auto part any favors. You might not be able to do anything about your local climate, but just know that you might have to save for replacement batteries at an earlier stage in your car’s life than if you live in a more temperate region of the country. 

Signs of an Aging Car Battery 

Sometimes, you have little or no warning. You get behind the wheel, turn over the ignition, and nothing happens. If your battery is old, the cause might be leaving the lights on or a door open overnight. At other times, it’s age alone that leaves you stranded, always at the worst possible time and place. 

But in other cases, you have at least a little bit of warning. Batteries might go dead several times, but you’re able to recharge them with jumper cables. Just know that you’re on limited time when that starts happening. It’s time to get a new battery and put your jumper cables away. 

Other signs of a dying battery are weak headlights and some difficulty turning your engine over. Your car might also have dashboard warning lights alerting you to the problem. Check your owner’s manual to see what words or symbols you should watch for and where they might appear on your dash. 

And finally, let the calendar be your friend. Document when you got the battery — whether it came with a new car or is a replacement — and keep in mind that you may only have a few years of warranty coverage. 

Be proactive and take your car to an auto shop or car battery retailer. They’ll use a voltage meter to determine whether your battery is failing. A healthy one should have a reading of at least 12.6 volts. If you’re showing 12 volts or less, you’ve got trouble waiting to happen. 

Stay Powered on the Road – Get Reliable Car Insurance with Acceptance Insurance 

It’s not just your failing battery that could leave you or a loved one in trouble while behind the wheel. Everything from road accidents to storm damage, theft, vandalism, and wildlife collisions can cost you plenty and leave you without wheels. 

That’s why you need dependable auto insurance coverage from a reliable, independent auto insurance agent at Acceptance Insurance. An independent agent has established contractual relationships with numerous major insurance brands. As a result, your Acceptance agent can go shopping for the most affordable coverage that meets your exact needs and even includes roadside assistance for those all-hours emergencies. 

Reach out to Acceptance at (877) 405-7102, or get a quick online quote. You can also find an Acceptance Insurance office near you. Schedule a sit-down chat with a knowledgeable agent.