Although it’s easy to apply an “out of sight, out of mind” mentality to the battery in your car, batteries don’t last forever and require occasional monitoring. Generally, you can expect a car battery to last between three and five years, but there are a lot of things that contribute to how long your battery will last.
Battery Lifespan Factors
There are four main factors that affect how long the battery in your car will last: the battery brand, your driving patterns, where you live, and vibration. When you’re getting a new battery, it’s important to purchase one from a reputable brand that has a track record of longer lifespans. If you aren’t sure what brand to choose, our team here at McCombs Body Shop would be glad to assist you to choose the right battery for your car.
Driving Habits
The next big factor is your driving patterns and habits. Though it may seem counterintuitive, cars that are driven for longer distances on a regular basis will usually get better battery life. This is because the battery is actually recharging while you’re driving. If you mostly make short trips around the neighborhood, your battery may not be able to fully recharge; to combat this you can purchase a battery maintenance charger for your home to help recharge the battery between trips.
The Weather
Texas is hot, and that means it’s hot under the hood of your car for much of the year. Heat increases the rate at which the battery drains and ages over time. In cooler locales, it’s not uncommon for drivers to get the full five years from their batteries. However, with the heat here in Texas, it wouldn’t be surprising if your battery dies closer to the three-year mark.
Excess Vibration
Finally, the amount of vibration under the hood and on the battery will impact how long it lasts. You’ll want to check under the hood once a month or so to ensure the hardware holding the battery in place is in good, firm condition. If anything is loose, be sure to tighten it up or bring it in for service here at Red McCombs Body Shop.
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Schedule Battery Service with Us
If something looks damaged or out of place around your battery, schedule a battery service appointment at Red McCombs Body Shop as soon as you can.