What do you look for when shopping for a new car?  Engine capacity, fuel efficiency, size, or level of comfort. Probably not the battery!  That is probably last on your list. However, the battery is one of the most important parts of today’s modern vehicle.  It has to manage a massive range of tasks, from starting the engine to powering in-car computers.

Most vehicle owners know that that engine oil needs to be changed, air filter replaced, and tires rotated, but then forget about their car battery. Taking care of your car battery is one of the most effective ways to keep your car running smoothly and without problems. Did you know that dead batteries are one of the top causes for roadside assistance calls?

So, what is the expected life of a car battery? Batteries will become worn down and inefficient within three years of everyday use in normal conditions. Just like your computer or smart-phone battery becomes less efficient with every charge, so your car battery gradually deteriorates every time it’s charged up by the vehicle’s engine.

After four or five years, most car batteries will be almost completely unreliable and can present a number of safety and reliability issues. Consider the following issues:

  • Auto electrical system -- Even though your car can still start with a battery that is starting to fail, features that have significant power demands, like headlights, may not function as well as they should.
  • Battery drain -- Many new cars have powerful computers that are operating all the time, even when the vehicle is parked and switched off. These computers can draw energy from your car’s battery at a slow, steady rate, wearing it down over time.
  • Stop-start technology -- Cars with engines that are designed to automatically switch off when at a standstill place a greater strain on their batteries than standard vehicles, and often need a special battery.

The next time you take your car to your auto shop, make sure to have the battery inspected. It could go from 90% performance to 20% over a short period of time. Ask your mechanic what is the expected life of a car battery and if yours is getting close to the end. The small price of a car battery replacement is worth the cost to avoid the stress of a roadside breakdown.

Are you ready for a car battery replacement? Contact our ASE Certified technicians today at Elk River Tire & Auto for more information about our services and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, and Otsego, Minnesota.

Do you know what is the expected life of a car battery? Ask your mechanic to inspect your car battery to see if it’s time for a car battery replacement.

What do you look for when shopping for a new car?  Engine capacity, fuel efficiency, size, or level of comfort. Probably not the battery!  That is probably last on your list. However, the battery is one of the most important parts of today’s modern vehicle.  It has to manage a massive range of tasks, from starting the engine to powering in-car computers.

Most vehicle owners know that that engine oil needs to be changed, air filter replaced, and tires rotated, but then forget about their car battery. Taking care of your car battery is one of the most effective ways to keep your car running smoothly and without problems. Did you know that dead batteries are one of the top causes for roadside assistance calls?

So, what is the expected life of a car battery? Batteries will become worn down and inefficient within three years of everyday use in normal conditions. Just like your computer or smart-phone battery becomes less efficient with every charge, so your car battery gradually deteriorates every time it’s charged up by the vehicle’s engine.

After four or five years, most car batteries will be almost completely unreliable and can present a number of safety and reliability issues. Consider the following issues:

  • Auto electrical system -- Even though your car can still start with a battery that is starting to fail, features that have significant power demands, like headlights, may not function as well as they should.
  • Battery drain -- Many new cars have powerful computers that are operating all the time, even when the vehicle is parked and switched off. These computers can draw energy from your car’s battery at a slow, steady rate, wearing it down over time.
  • Stop-start technology -- Cars with engines that are designed to automatically switch off when at a standstill place a greater strain on their batteries than standard vehicles, and often need a special battery.

The next time you take your car to your auto shop, make sure to have the battery inspected. It could go from 90% performance to 20% over a short period of time. Ask your mechanic what is the expected life of a car battery and if yours is getting close to the end. The small price of a car battery replacement is worth the cost to avoid the stress of a roadside breakdown.

Are you ready for a car battery replacement? Contact our ASE Certified technicians today at Elk River Tire & Auto for more information about our services and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, and Otsego, Minnesota.

Kerry Bannister