When Should I Replace My Vehicle's Battery?

When Do I Replace My Car's Battery?

There is no clear cut answer as to how long your car battery will last, but there are some general guidelines. To start, the life of a battery varies depending on time, heat, and vibration. Let’s dive in.

Time

Car batteries will age over time. Even under the most ideal operating conditions, batteries gradually deteriorate until they can no longer provide the necessary amount of power to start an engine. Vehicle usage patterns also contribute to battery aging. Vehicles that are driven mostly on short trips may not allow the battery to fully recharge, and batteries in vehicles parked for long periods of time naturally discharge.

Heat

Heat starts the chemical reaction batteries need to generate electricity, but it also increases the rate of battery degradation. In cooler climates, a car battery may last five years or longer while in southern regions a three year battery life is more typical. Batteries live in a harsh underhood environment where temperatures exceed 200 degrees in hot weather. To protect the battery, some automanufacturers mount the battery in an isolated area, put in a heat shield over the battery, or relocate the battery outside the engine compartment.

Vibration

The last key factor in battery life is vibration which causes physical breakdown of the internal battery parts. To minimize the effects of vibration, special hardware secures the batteries in place and prevents them from moving about. Missing or loose hold downs can significantly shorten battery life.

Come to Ed Martin Nissan

When its time for a new battery, come to Ed Martin Nissan. Our Indianapolis service center will perform a battery check and install a new one if that’s what your vehicle needs. Schedule service now online.