How Often to Replace a Car Battery

If keeping your vehicle in pristine condition is a priority for you, understanding how often to replace a car battery is key. Generally, experts say that a car battery will last 4-5 years, although that can vary based on a number of factors. Along with knowing what age your battery will begin to wear down, it’s good to learn how to know if your car battery needs to be replaced by spotting the warning signs. Read on with our service experts below to discover how often to replace a car battery, how much is a replacement car battery, how to test a car battery, and more!

How to Know If Your Car Battery Needs to Be Replaced

Wondering how to know if your car battery needs to be replaced? If you notice the following signs during your commute from Lincoln to Omaha, then you’re likely due for a new battery:

• Dimming headlights
• More frequent need for engine revving or jump starts
• Takes longer to start the engine when you turn the key/push the button
• Unusual power fluctuations

What Causes Car Battery Deterioration?

• Heat: Warm weather causes the liquids inside your car battery to evaporate. If you live in a hot climate, you’ll likely need to replace your battery sooner than average.
• Vibrations: If the hold-down clamps for your battery become loose or damaged, the vibrations will accelerate the deterioration of your battery.
• Needing a Jump: If you’ve needed to jump-start your vehicle, this can significantly reduce the lifespan of your battery.
• Time: As with any battery, a car battery can only endure so many charge cycles before it will need to be replaced.

How to Test a Car Battery

When you visit us for routine maintenance, you can have your battery tested. Generally, having your battery professionally tested twice a year is a great way to keep your battery in shape. If you want to learn how to test a car battery in your own Crete garage, follow the methods listed below.

The Headlight Test:

1. Turn on your engine but keep your car in park. Make sure your headlights are on.
2. Rev the engine and take note of any changes in the brightness of your headlights.
3. If the headlights get brighter as you rev the engine, the current is not strong enough to power your lights when the car is idling.
4. Most likely, you will need to replace your battery. Visit our service center for further assessments.

Using a Digital Multimeter:

1. Set your voltmeter to 20 DC volts.
2. Once you’ve popped the hood, touch the negative terminal (black) with the negative meter probe (also black).
3. Next, touch the positive terminal (red) with the positive meter probe (also red).
4. Have a helper turn on the headlights so you can check the voltmeter reading.
5. At 80℉, 12.5 volts or higher means your battery is fully charged, 12.3 volts means you have 75% charge, and 11.8 volts or lower means you have 25% or less charge.

How Much is a Replacement Car Battery?

How much is a replacement car battery? Typically, a new battery for your vehicle will cost between $75 and $120, with premium batteries running closer to $200. If you own a hybrid, the battery is asked to take on much more work, so the cost of replacement will be significant. A hybrid battery replacement can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000, but that price is offset by the fuel savings earned throughout the life of the vehicle.

Service Your Vehicle at Sid Dillon Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

Now that you know how to test a car battery, you’re better equipped to keep pace with the needs of your vehicle. Whether you need a new battery or a major repair, our team will have you back on the Seward streets in no time. Be sure to explore our parts and service coupons for added savings. Of course, you’re welcome to contact us at any time if you need automotive guidance.