How Long Do Car Batteries Last in Kansas City, MO?

We are frequently asked, how long do car batteries last, or how long are they supposed to last? There isn’t a general consensus because of the variation between manufacturers, climates, etc. However, we can tell you that you’ll probably need a car battery change after three to four years. Unfortunately, this can vary from car to car, and we’ll get into the details of why that is below. So, not only is it important to take steps to keep your battery running, but you should also be aware of the signs of a dying car battery, so you can get your Alfa Romeo vehicle to our service center for attention. Learn more about average vehicle battery life with the help of the Alfa Romeo Kansas City here. 

Average Vehicle Battery Life 

In general, combustion engines have one of two types of batteries (with subvariations between the two) – a traditional wet cell, also referred to as a flooded battery, or a Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) battery. No matter what, it’s common for car batteries to wear down over time. Generally, we recommend replacing your battery every three to four years, but you may find suggestions or even have batteries that last as little as 2 years or as long as 6 years. Car battery changes are just as important to your vehicle maintenance as oil changes or tire services. When you come in for more frequent maintenance, we inspect your battery to be sure it’s still operating as it should. 

How Long Do Car Batteries Last: Factors That Shorten Lifespan

As we mentioned, with time driving habits and location can shorten car battery life, resulting in the need for car battery changes before three or four years. If you don’t drive much and leave your vehicle sitting for long periods of time, you’ll find that your car’s battery can weaken. You can prevent this by taking longer routes on your commutes or errands, so your car’s battery has more time to charge. Also, be sure you don’t leave the power on when the ignition is off. Climate and location also have a huge impact on your battery, living and driving in a hot climate year-round will weaken your battery more than if you drive in a cooler climate. 

Signs Your Battery is Running Low 

If you aren’t sure of the signs of a failing car battery, you may not notice you are having a problem until your car won’t start – and we all know how frustrating that can be. Here are the signs that your battery is low: 

• Car lights are dim
• Electric issues (cell phone charger, heated seats, etc. aren’t working) 
• Connectors for the battery are corroded 
• Check engine light is on 
• The engine is slow to start 
• The battery case looks warped or misshapen 

Schedule a Car Battery Service at Alfa Romeo Kansas City in Merriam! 

At Alfa Romeo Kansas City, we can offer the vehicle service you need. After properly answering the question, “How long do car batteries last,” you can have a better idea of how to maintain your model. Contact us at Alfa Romeo Kansas City to schedule a battery replacement, or to price out a new battery with our parts center!