How Long Do Car Batteries Last

The battery is one of the most important parts of any automobile. Without a working battery, the car won’t run, so you won’t have a way to get around South Amherstburg or LaSalle, Ontario.

We want to help prevent that from happening, so that’s why it’s important to know how long car batteries last. We’ll cover that topic below as well as offer some tips to help your car battery last as long as possible.

Read through our informative guide. Then, contact the team at Amherstburg Chevrolet to schedule service near Windsor and Kingsville, Ontario.

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When to Replace a Car Battery

How long do car batteries last on average? The average car battery lasts around three to five years. However, different factors can affect when a replacement is needed.

One factor is weather since extremely hot or cold temperatures can affect battery life. The length of your trips can affect battery life, too. Taking short trips may not give the battery enough time to fully charge and can shorten its life.

Furthermore, having a lot of accessories inside your vehicle can drain the battery life. This includes anything from the lighting and radio to various charging cords.

Tips on Extending Battery Life

While different factors can affect battery life, there are ways to prevent the need for frequent battery replacements.

If you drive in freezing cold or extremely hot climates, be sure to take breaks to let the engine rest. Otherwise, that could cause the battery to experience sudden drainage. Additionally, you’ll want to be mindful of how long you’re spending on the road. Try to avoid trips of fewer than 20 minutes, especially if your vehicle has an older battery.

Finally, you’ll want to think about the accessories being powered inside your Chevrolet. Turn off the radio, A/C, or heated seats each time before turning off the car. You should also only have a cord plugged into the car’s USB when you need to charge your phone—and don’t forget to unplug it before exiting the vehicle.

Signs You Need to Replace the Battery in Your Vehicle

The 3- to 5-year lifespan of a car battery is a general estimate. So, if you’re not sure if your battery’s at the end of its lifespan, here are some signs to look out for:

Strange Odor

When a battery’s getting old, it starts to produce a strong smell similar to rotten eggs. This comes from the battery emitting gas that contains sulfuric acid.

The acid can eat away at other parts under the hood and cause corrosion inside the car. So, if you notice a strong, unusual odor, bring the Chevy to a local service centre right away.

Constant Jump-Starts

There may be instances when a jump-start’s needed to get your vehicle running again. However, this shouldn’t be a normal occurrence.

If you need to jump-start a battery several times within a week, a battery replacement is in order. Not only can using jumper cables be too harsh on a car, but it can also drain the battery more quickly than normal. Plus, the multiple jump-starts can rot the alternator and starter.

Therefore, you’ll want to have the entire battery replaced right away.

Electrical Issues

Not only does a battery power a car, but it also controls the electronics inside. These include the radio, cabin lights, and dashboard computer.

If the lights start to dim suddenly or the other electronics aren’t working as they should, then the battery may be starting to fail. The moment this starts to happen, make a service appointment with one of our technicians, and they’ll take a look at the battery.

Schedule a Car Battery Replacement Today

At Amherstburg Chevrolet, we want to make sure your car battery is in top form to keep you on the roads of South Amherstburg and LaSalle, ON, longer.

Whether your vehicle needs a battery repair or replacement, our technicians will complete the work in a timely manner. So, don’t wait. Contact your Chevy dealer in Ontario CA for service near Windsor and Kingsville, ON, today!