How long does a car battery last (and how to make it last longer)
The typical lifespan of a car battery is between three and five years. However, this can vary considerably depending on the quality of the battery, driving habits, the climate the car lives in, how often the vehicle is used and – importantly – how and when the battery is charged.
Batteries in vehicles that regularly undertake short trips may not get fully charged, which can shorten their lifespan. Batteries in cars that are driven longer distances more frequently tend to last closer to the upper end of the range.
Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can also affect battery life. In regions with harsh winters or very hot summers, batteries may deteriorate more quickly. Regular maintenance and proper care are essential to ensure that your battery remains reliable for as long as possible.
How to make your car battery last longer
There are several practical steps you can take to extend the life of your car battery:
- Keep it charged: if your car is not used frequently, the battery can slowly discharge and become flat. Using a smart battery charger and maintainer, such as those from CTEK, helps keep your battery in optimum condition, especially during long periods of inactivity.
- Avoid short journeys: try to combine errands or take longer drives occasionally, as short trips do not allow the battery to fully recharge.
- Regular inspection: check the battery terminals for corrosion and ensure the connections are tight. Clean any buildup using a suitable battery cleaning solution and tools.
- Turn off electronics: make sure all lights, the radio and other electronic accessories are switched off when the engine is not running, as these can drain the battery.
Regular charging with a CTEK battery charger can extend the lifespan of your vehicle battery by up to three times, which has been proven through extensive research.
Trust in CTEK to prolong battery life
CTEK is a trusted brand known worldwide for its intelligent battery chargers and maintainers. These devices are designed to optimise battery charging, prevent overcharging and maintain charge levels even when your car is not in regular use. By using a CTEK charger, you can:
- Maintain an ideal charge level, preventing sulphation and battery degradation.
- Safely recharge the battery with multi-stage charging that addresses the battery’s needs.
- Extend battery lifespan by keeping it at peak condition, especially during periods of little use or extreme weather.
- Benefit from automatic maintenance modes which ensure your battery is ready whenever you need it.
CTEK’s newest battery chargers, the NXT Series, are designed and built for vehicle owners and enthusiasts who demand high performance, reliability and ease of use.
Both NXT Series models support 12V lead-acid and lithium batteries, and feature automatic spark-free operation, reverse polarity protection and CTEK’s hallmark connect-and-forget functionality. The NXT 5 has a 5A output and is ideal for motorcycles and cars with 12V batteries.
In summary, while most car batteries last three to five years, you can significantly extend their life by adopting good maintenance habits and using CTEK smart chargers such as the NXT 5. Regular charging, avoiding deep discharges and proper care are key to reliable and extended battery performance.