I just had to pay to replace my car’s battery. (I didn’t realize a car battery was so expensive?) I was wondering, how many miles do car batteries last? Is this something I’ll be replacing again soon?
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Unfortunately, car batteries do end up needing to be replaced every so often, so yes, you’ll likely end up replacing it at least one more time during the life of your car.
Modern car batteries typically last around five to seven years, or 30,000 to 50,000 miles, before needing to be replaced. But that’s not a hard rule. It’s not uncommon to find batteries that keep working ten years after installation.
Here are a few tips to help prolong the life of your car battery:
Drive your car regularly, even if it’s just a short trip to the grocery store or a nearby park. The car’s alternator recharges the battery, and allowing the battery to operate regularly prevents it from getting stagnant.
Avoid using auxiliary power. We’ve all been sitting in a grocery store parking lot waiting for someone to run in and grab some items. But consider keeping the car running for that time, or just turning it off entirely. Auxiliary power mode can drain the battery quickly.
Occasionally check that the battery’s terminals are clean, and inspect for corrosion. Just checking things under the hood once or twice a year can make a huge difference and help you spot problems before they get serious!
Keep up with the car’s scheduled maintenance. This is important not only for the battery, but also the whole car. And it can help you avoid expensive repairs, too!
As you just found out, car batteries can be expensive to replace—as much as $200 for some cars, or even more in luxury and sports cars.
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