How often should you be replacing your car battery

Your cars battery is responsible for some of the most essential things in your car, such as starting the engine and powering all lights and electronics. Despite this, proper battery maintenance and replacement can sometimes get swept under the rug.

How long has it been since you last replaced your car’s battery? It may not even be something you have thought about for a long time. However, proper battery maintenance and care, along with necessary replacements, will help you to avoid unexpected breakdowns and keep your car running well.

It is possible to make a car battery last up to 5 years with proper maintenance and care, however, most car batteries will have to be replaced after around 3 years with normal use.

There are some simple things you can do to get the most out of the life of your battery. Firstly, it is important that you service your vehicle regularly and replace any components that may be causing your engine to run inefficiently and consequently putting extra strain on your battery. You should also ensure your vehicle is driven frequently and never leave your air conditioning or lights on when the engine is off to ensure you do not drain your battery.

Checking the voltage of your battery regularly is also a good way to ensure you replace your battery at the correct time and do not break down unexpectedly. You can do this at home quickly and easily with a voltmeter. Voltmeters are sold at most auto parts stores and are inexpensive. Simply connect the voltmeter to the positive and negative terminals of the battery, and if the reading is 12.6V or higher, your battery is in good condition, or if it is below 12.6V it may need to be replaced.