How long does a car battery typically last?
On average, a car battery typically can last between three and five years. There are many factors that can lead to whether the battery lasts closer to the three-year mark or to the five-plus-year mark. Factors like how often you drive your vehicle, drive time duration, and geographical location can greatly impact the life span of your vehicle’s battery.
Many of these factors are in your control, but also, in the case of geographic location, it is somewhat out of your control. But, by managing the factors that you can control, you can work to ensure you are getting the most life out of your vehicle’s battery.
Let us take a look at a few of these factors and what you can do to work to preserve the life of your battery for as long as possible.
Duration of drive time
If you only drive your vehicle on short trips, you may not allow your battery enough time to become fully charged from the alternator. When you drive your vehicle for longer periods of time, the alternator is able to do its job and fully recharge the battery.
The main reason for this is that an alternator acts to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy.
When your vehicle is running, the drive belt works to turn the alternator’s rotor shaft. The rotor shaft then spins a set of magnets around a coil to generate alternating current around the coil. The coil then sends alternating current to the rectifier to convert the alternating current to direct current. It is this direct current that powers the lights, radio, and other electrical systems of your vehicle while also recharging your car battery.
If you only drive for short periods, your alternator will not be given enough time to completely recharge your car battery. That is why it is important that if you do only make short trips with your vehicle you periodically take a longer drive and fully charge the battery.
How often your vehicle is driven
Another factor that can determine how long your car battery may last is how long you let your vehicle sit parked. When a vehicle and its battery sit for an extended period of time, the battery naturally discharges. This natural discharge period can shorten the lifespan of your vehicle’s battery if it is not recharged fully from time to time.
Geographic location
Geography also can play a role in the lifespan of your vehicle’s battery. For example, if you live somewhere like Arizona where temperatures can consistently be high, the higher temperatures can more quickly erode the battery. In cooler places like the Midwest, batteries tend to preserve much longer. This is because heat facilitates the chemical reactions in car batteries to generate electricity. The more a battery is exposed to heat, the sooner it will need to be replaced.
How can we help you with your battery replacement needs?
Whether your car battery lasts only three years, or five years or more, when it is time for it to be replaced, you need a trusted auto repair shop to help you find the correct replacement.
We specialize in battery replacement services for all models of BMWs.
We not only have excellent deals on car batteries from the most trusted manufacturers, but they also have the knowledge and expertise for installation and all future required maintenance.
