United Tire and Service News

Are you getting the full value out of the money that you spend for a car battery? Have you ever wondered about the average time that it should last? In an ideal world, it would be excellent if everything that you buy would last for a lifetime. But we know that you live in reality, so it’s unlikely that you would expect your car battery to last forever. And, unfortunately, the “Jetsons” era of technology hasn’t reached the world that we live in it – yet! Still, there are plenty of reasons why you might want to know how long do car batteries last and if there is anything you can do to prevent yours from ending prematurely. 

 

Typically, a car battery should last six years. The word “typically” in this case is extremely relative because there are so many factors that go into the car battery reaching an expected lifespan. All car batteries are stamped with a date code by the manufacturer of the battery. An example is seeing “A-19” displayed somewhere on the battery, which means it was manufactured in January 2019. However, this date does not have any effect whatsoever on the likelihood of the battery lasting for an average lifespan. In fact, the manufacturer knows this, which is why they’re extremely conservative when warranting a car battery. The date does, however, help establish a timeframe for warranty purposes and potential recalls.

 

Each battery has specifications known as “Cold Cranking Amps” that are designed to establish the cold temperatures it can handle and still start your engine. Although Philadelphia is not known for freezing temperatures like other places, such as Minnesota and Illinois, when winter temperatures are significantly lower than average, there can be a substantial negative impact on the battery. And over an extended time, without consistent and proper maintenance, the battery can become deficient.    

 

On the other hand, hot temperatures can be more harmful. During the summer months, especially during the peak season, the battery can lose fluid and eventually cause dead cells. There is nothing that can be done to restore the battery. Additionally, if the battery is not being properly maintained and consistently charged, it becomes more susceptible to extreme heat.  

 

 

When you first purchase a battery, it’s fully charged, and providing there aren’t any defective battery cells from the beginning, the alternator will provide enough electrical current to maintain the charge. However, for this to occur continuously and reduce the potential of a battery becoming “discharged,” the battery terminals and cables must remain clean. Acid corrosion will build up and interfere with the electrical source that the alternator provides. This is a very common reason why a battery is unable to start an engine. Other reasons include leaving the headlights on, or any other electrical component, for an extended period without the engine running. 

 

 

 

 

 A car battery should be tested on a random basis. United Tire & Service is a group of local and independent auto repair shops with 13 locations. The staff at each location takes enormous pride in providing exceptional repair services to the Philadelphia community. Schedule a service appointment online today to inspect or replace your car battery.