On average, a car battery will last up to five years or even longer. Not bad, right? However, it’s important that you keep in mind that if you don’t take proper care of your vehicle, your battery won’t make it that long without running into problems. Here are some things to keep in mind:
1. Check for loose battery clamps. If the clamps become loose, the vibrations that result when driving can cause parts related to the battery to break down more easily, resulting in your battery’s life being adversely affected.
2. Turn your lights off. If you accidentally leave your car’s lamps on, you may need to jumpstart it the next time you start up—and anytime you jumpstart your vehicle, your battery’s lifespan will drop.
3. Watch out for extreme weather. Very cold temperatures may finish off a battery that’s already dying by draining it more quickly. Conversely, hot weather can evaporate battery fluid.