Should I replace my car battery before it dies

  • By Adam Kushner
  • 05 Mar, 2015

The one thing your car just can’t do without is a good working battery. There's nothing worse than finding yourself behind the wheel, running late and trying to crank the motor, only to discover your battery has bit the dust. For a driver, nothing compares to the benefits of replacing your car battery before it dies. However, many of us wait until it's too late, not realizing there are multiple factors that come into play to decrease the life of your battery.

Should I replace my car battery before it dies

How Often Does My Import Car Battery Need To Be Replaced?

Depending on what shape your charging system is in, where you live, and what your driving habits are, a battery's normal average lifespan is about four years under ideal conditions.

If you live in warmer climates, you'll need to have your battery checked and potentially replaced earlier. However, if you live in a much colder climate, your battery could last as long as five years, but should be checked at the three to four year mark.

In Texas, the average life of a car battery is anywhere from 30 months to 47 months, depending on where you live. In the southern region where summers are harsh, the average battery life is approximately 30 months, so you'll want to have your battery checked for replacement after about two years.

Factors That Impact The Life Of My Battery

Besides extreme regional temperatures, there are other factors that can reduce the average life of a car battery. These include:

  • Numerous accessories plugged in such as: GPS receiver, MP3 player, DVD player, satellite stereo system, laptop, game system and charging phone
  • Vibration from rough or damaged roads
  • Frequent brief car trips or not driving for long periods

How you use your car impacts the life of your battery. If you only use it for short trips, 20 minutes or less in duration, the battery may never reach full charge. This could result in damage to the battery and wear it out quicker. Not driving the car for extended periods continues to discharge the battery. These kinds of damage are sometimes difficult to identify on routine tests, so be sure to mention your driving habits when you take your vehicle to the repair shop to check the battery.

Recognizing Battery Warning Signs

Although a dead battery is the most conspicuous clue, there may be less obvious signs it’s time to replace your vehicle’s battery. If you experience any of these warning signs, you should have your battery inspected and tested by your repair shop.

  • Age of the battery is older than three or four years
  • Car is not being driven for long periods of time
  • Car is only used for short trips
  • Buildup around the battery's terminals
  • Noticeable stains or corrosion on the battery, which can indicate you have a leak
  • Bad smells around the battery, such as an odor resembling rotten eggs
  • Taking longer than usual to start your engine
  • Check engine light sometimes indicates weak battery power
  • Fluid level looks low
  • Swollen battery case

If you need your battery inspected and tested, contact us. Since 1988, Southwest Auto has proudly served Dallas and the surrounding area, focused on reliable, affordable service for your European vehicle.

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About Jon Howes

Jon started Southwest Auto in 1988. A family owned business that started out specializing in Volvo service, sales and parts. Has grown from a home based business in Jon and MaryJane’s dining room in 1988, to today’s 15,000 plus square foot advanced, automotive facility; which employs many highly-trained service and technical staff.

How do I know when my car needs a new battery?

How to Know When it is Time to Replace Your Car Battery.
4 Signs It Is Almost Time For a New Battery..
1) Your Battery Struggles to Combat Seasonal Challenges..
2) Your Car Has Been Sitting For Too Long..
3) Your Vehicle Struggles When Starting..
4) Your Battery Is Older and Triggers a Dashboard Light..

How long can a new car battery sit before it dies?

Typically, your car can sit about four weeks to two months without driving before the battery dies. The reason your car can sit only for so long before it dies is the fact that your car battery is in use even when you're not behind the wheel.

How can I tell if my car battery is going bad?

Bad Battery Symptoms If the cranking of the engine is sluggish, like your vehicle is harder to start on cold mornings, it starts inconsistently, or there's no sound and interior lights when you try to start, suspect a failing battery, a loose or corroded connection or electrical draw.