Batteries typically have a life span of four to six years. Frequent short trips, extended storage time and extreme temperatures — such as we often see in Florida’s oven-hot summers — can all lead to a shorter life for your battery.
How Long Should a Car Battery Last?
Typically, car and truck batteries have a date code that displays the expected lifespan. This helps consumers know what they’re getting when they buy a new battery. For example, a battery made in August 2017 will show a numeric code of “8-7” or an alphanumeric code of “H-7.” In this system, “A” stands for January, “B” is for February, and so on (although the letter “I” is skipped). The battery should also have a decal stating its expected life span, such as 60 or 84 months.
How Much Charge Should a Car Battery Hold?
Your vehicle’s battery should put out a charge of 12.6 volts or above when checked with a multimeter. That measurement should increase to 13.7 to 14.7 volts when you crank up your car or truck. A quick (but less accurate) way to gauge your battery’s charge is to start your automobile and turn on the headlights to see if they are dimmer than normal.
DeBroux Automotive Pro Tip: A weak or dead battery can cause significant damage to electrical system parts in your vehicle, such as alternators and starters. Don’t let a simple battery replacement turn into major repairs!
If you’re not sure how much time your battery has left, stop by DeBroux Automotive to test its condition. We do complete battery and electrical system checks and save you from dead battery headaches down the road.
Think You Have a Dying Battery?
Look for these warning signs of a nearly dead battery:
- Slow or sluggish engine crank
- Check engine light flickers on
- Low battery fluid level
- Battery swelling or bloating
- Leaking battery fluid
- Smell of rotten eggs
- Battery older than four to six years
Call DeBroux Automotive for Battery Service
Before your battery quits on you, come by DeBroux Automotive for testing and a top-of-the-line replacement. Our experienced and certified mechanics install high-quality batteries with long warranties from a range of trusted manufacturers. Give us a call today!