Auto advice: How long do car batteries last and what can I do if my battery goes flat?
Overview
How long should my car battery last?
Unfortunately, cold weather brings multiple demands on a car battery so it’s no wonder that battery failure is one of the most common causes of breakdown in winter. Replacing a car battery can save you a lot of time and inconvenience.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of any battery and if it’s more than three years old it’s worthwhile having it checked out.
How long a battery will last depends on the car and its condition, but generally, the life span is about five years so if your battery is several years old, it might be a good idea to think about replacing it.
How do I prolong the life of a car battery?
At the end of a journey ensure the lights, wipers and heater are all switched off as this prevents any unnecessary drain on the battery. Before leaving the car also ensure there are no interior lights, including the boot light and glove compartment, left on.
If you can, park your vehicle in a garage, especially in very cold temperatures. Check again that everything is switched off before turning the ignition on.
What if my car battery is flat?
If your battery is not completely discharged then a car battery charger that plugs into the mains may be enough to get it going. These are ideal if you need to charge up a battery that has run low, or to maintain a car battery that isn’t being used often.
However, if it is completely flat then jump leads would be the next option so you will need a second car with a fully-charged battery. If jump leads do not get the battery going then the battery may need replacing but if you do manage to get the car running remember it takes time for the alternator to fully charge the battery, so try not to stop the engine too soon or stall it.
If I am not using my car then how long will the battery last?
How long it would take for your battery to go flat if you left the car completely unmoved really depends on the type, age and quality of the battery. While new cars or a new battery could last anytime from 14 to 21 days most are likely to be OK for at least two weeks.
Top Tip: Don’t ignore the warning signs. An illuminated battery symbol, a sluggish engine, dashboard lights going dim or a car that is hard to start on cold mornings are all signs of a low battery charge.
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