Many drivers don't realize their battery is dead until the car starts. The last thing you want is a car that won't start due to a dead battery. Many factors can cause your car to not start – a faulty battery, a
faulty alternator, or a worn-out starter motor are just a few examples.
Almost all car batteries today are maintenance-free, but the AAA recommends that the battery be checked by a mechanic every year after 2 years of use if you live in a warm climate, and after 4 years if you live in a cold climate. Check the battery once a year after that age. Remember that regular and thorough battery maintenance can help extend battery life and keep the starting/charging system running efficiently .
The average battery life is 3 to 5 years, but driving habits and exposure to extreme weather conditions can reduce the lifespan of a vehicle's battery.
Some cars will last for up to five or six years, while others will take two years before needing a new one.
Typically, your car needs a new battery after three to four years. However, it's good to know the signs that you need a new battery, because nobody wants a dead battery.
Remember that you can skip battery maintenance if you ensure the mechanic does it during routine servicing, but you will need to keep up with regular maintenance. Check with your dealer if you need to charge a new battery before using it.
Fortunately, there are some warning signs to indicate when the battery needs replacing.
Most batteries are at least 75% charged at the time of purchase and should start and function fine. Most new cars and trucks still have submerged lead-acid batteries, and most drivers can replace them.
Most cars and trucks use wet-cell lead-acid batteries that contain LED plates separated by layers of material that slow the flow of ions between the plates. Automotive batteries that use lead-antimony plates require
regular recharging with clean water to compensate for water loss due to electrolysis and evaporation.
Lithium batteries have a higher energy density than lead-acid batteries, so they can meet the needs of significantly lighter vehicles (great for racing cars). AGM automotive batteries can withstand deep cycles or deep discharges without load, with less risk of long-term damage.