According to the Auto Facts website, a typical car battery lasts about three to five years. However, various factors can affect how long a car battery lasts, especially how the vehicle is driven.
A typical car battery is a lead acid battery made up of plates, lead, lead oxide and a sulfuric acid and water solution. The solution is an electrolyte, which generates electricity through a chemical reaction.
If you drive the vehicle short distances every day, the lifespan of the battery will be shorter. Ideally, the alternator should run long enough to recharge the battery.
Extreme temperatures can also affect how long a battery lasts. Temperature can affect the chemical reactions inside the battery. This is why battery manufacturers install an insulated jacket.
A good way to get the most life out of a battery is to use terminal protector spray. It cleans terminals and helps reduce the amount of battery corrosion.
If the battery does die, and it has been about three years since its last replacement, it's best to just replace it. If you don’t know how long it’s been, you can test it.
