Wondering how long a car battery lasts? On average, most vehicles will need a battery replacement about every three to four years. However, this varies widely from model to model. Some may last up to five or six years, while others may require a replacement every two years.
Our team at Watermark Ford of Marion is here to answer all your questions about car batteries. Read on to find out more and don't hesitate to contact us with any further questions or schedule a car battery test or replacement near Marion, Herrin, and Carbondale, IL.
What Impacts a Car Battery?
Many different elements impact the lifespan of a car battery, so it's important to bring your vehicle to a trusted service technician who can test it. If you don't drive very often or only use your vehicle to make short trips around town, your car battery may drain more quickly. To extend its life, consider taking an occasional afternoon ride or road trip. Â
Along with that, leaving the power on while the ignition is turned off drains the battery. This includes leaving a cabin light on and keeping the keys in the ignition overnight.
Signs Your Car Battery Needs to Be Replaced
In addition to having your car battery checked at regular intervals, there are a few tell-tale signs to watch out for that could indicate you need to replace it. If a battery or charging light appears on your dashboard or the lights in your car appear dimmer, you should bring your vehicle in for a battery inspection.
Similarly, if you notice that the motor takes longer than usual to start, it may be a sign your car battery needs to be replaced or requires maintenance.
Clean cable connections and secure hardware around the battery are also very important to a well-functioning car. If you notice clear signs of damage or corrosion on the battery, you can make any necessary adjustments at home or have a service technicians do it for you.
How Long Does a Car Battery Inspection Take?
Like all types of routine maintenance, checking your car battery regularly ensures your vehicle is ready to get you safely from Point A to Point B whenever you take the wheel. After you've had your vehicle for three years, you'll want to make sure you get the battery inspected, along with other regular services, such as every time you get an oil change.
When you get your car battery checked, our service technicians will identify the deterioration level. It usually only takes a few minutes, so you'll be back on the road in no time! Even if your car battery needs to be replaced, you can expect to be back behind the wheel in about 15 to 30 minutes.
Schedule a Car Battery Inspection or Replacement Today
Now that you know how long a car battery lasts, it's time to make sure you have the charge you need to continue going about your daily routine around Marion, Herrin, and Carbondale, Illinois. Contact us at Watermark Ford of Marion to schedule your next car-battery inspection or replacement and move forward with confidence today!