Most car batteries last somewhere between three and five years, and some go a little longer. Short journeys, extreme temperatures and lots of electrical kit cut that short. The cold does not wear a battery out, but it exposes one that is already weak, which is why so many fail on the first frosty morning.
A battery that is about to go usually tells you first. Here is what to look and listen for.
The warning signs
- The engine turns over slowly, especially first thing.
- A clicking noise when you turn the key, and the engine does not start.
- Dim headlights, or interior lights that flicker.
- The battery light on the dashboard, which can point to the battery or the charging system.
- Needing a jump start more than once in a short time.
- Electrical oddities such as windows slow to move or the radio resetting.
Why batteries die early
- Lots of short journeys, so the alternator never fully recharges what the starter used.
- Leaving the car for weeks without use.
- Heavy electrical load, such as the heater, heated seats and lights, on short winter trips.
- A fault in the charging system, which wears a good battery down.
- Age. After about three years it is worth having it tested.
Why winter is when they fail
A cold battery gives less power at the same time as a cold engine needs more to turn over. A battery that was just about coping in the autumn has nothing in reserve in January. That is why testing it before winter is cheap insurance.
Getting more life from it
- Take a longer drive now and then, at least 20 to 30 minutes.
- Switch off lights, heater and the radio before you shut the engine down.
- If the car sits for weeks, use a trickle charger.
- Have the battery and the charging system tested at its third birthday, and every year after.
A flat battery or something else?
If the car will not start, the battery is the usual suspect, but not the only one. See our guide to what to check when your car will not start. If you want the battery tested, we do that, and we can fit a new one.
Quick answers
How do I know if my battery needs replacing?
Slow starting, dim lights and a battery warning light are the main signs. A test gives a firm answer.
Can a battery be too old to charge?
Yes. An old battery may charge but no longer hold the charge, so it fails again soon after.
Does a stop-start car need a special battery?
Usually yes. Cars with stop-start need a battery built for that duty, so the right type matters.
Do you fit batteries?
Yes, we supply and fit batteries for all makes and models, including a test of the charging system.