Should the battery of a four-year-old car be replaced?

[McJaxon]

4-year-old cars do not require battery replacement. Battery lifespan: The lifespan of new energy vehicle batteries is generally around 6 years. After 6 years, the frequency of malfunctions increases, and it is recommended to replace the battery promptly to address a series of issues caused by battery aging, such as significantly reduced range, decreased charge capacity, and slower charging. Battery usage precautions: Do not charge new energy vehicles immediately after prolonged exposure to high temperatures. After extended exposure, the temperature of the power box rises, causing the battery temperature to increase. Charging immediately can accelerate the aging and damage of internal circuits. Do not charge during thunderstorms. When it rains with thunder, never charge to avoid lightning strikes, which could lead to combustion accidents. It is not recommended to turn on the air conditioning inside the car while charging a new energy vehicle. Using the air conditioning while charging increases the internal charge load of the battery, accelerates the degradation of the power battery pack, and reduces the battery's service life.

[EstherLynn]

As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I can tell you that a car battery used for four years indeed requires extra attention. The average lifespan of a battery is three to five years, and at my age, I've encountered issues when the time comes. For example, the engine struggling to start or lights suddenly dimming are classic warning signs. I remember my car in its fourth year had trouble starting in cold winter weather. After testing at the repair shop, the voltage had dropped to 11 volts, far below the normal 12-plus volts, so I replaced it immediately. The driving environment is also crucial—if you frequently drive in hot or rainy areas, the battery ages faster. Short trips are also a concern, as incomplete charging can shorten its life. I recommend regularly checking the battery's condition with a simple multimeter or by a professional. Don't wait until you're stranded on the road to regret it—costly and frustrating. During routine maintenance, clean the battery terminals to prevent corrosion and dust buildup. Don’t underestimate it—a faulty battery can render the entire car unusable, especially on long trips. In short, four years is a critical point, and addressing it early brings much more peace of mind.

[DelLena]

As an auto enthusiast who loves tinkering with car knowledge, I believe a 4-year-old battery deserves careful evaluation. The core of a battery lies in its charge-discharge cycles – over time, internal components degrade, and capacity diminishes significantly. The typical lifespan is 3-5 years, so at the 4-year mark, you need to assess the specific condition. If you notice difficulty starting the engine (cranking for several seconds before firing), or warning lights illuminating on the dashboard, replacement is definitely needed. Weather plays a big role too – cold climates accelerate deterioration. I usually perform self-tests with a multimeter: voltage should read above 12.6V before starting, and reach around 14V while driving – otherwise it's risky. Bulging battery casing or electrolyte leakage are also red flags. Don't wait until complete failure – jump-starting or towing becomes far more troublesome, especially with modern cars' complex electronics. My advice: get a professional shop test at this stage. If parameters are acceptable, it might last a few more months, but preventive replacement often brings peace of mind – new batteries are affordable anyway (around 200-300 RMB). Remember maintenance too: check terminal tightness and avoid short circuits. Timely replacement ensures battery health and driving efficiency – don't penny-pinch at the cost of bigger issues.

[DiBrantley]

I've experienced the hassle of a dead battery halfway, so I strongly recommend checking if a four-year-old car battery needs replacement. Safety first—an aging battery failing to start the engine could lead to accidents or leave you stranded in remote areas. With an average lifespan of just three to five years, the risk is high by year four. Watch for signs like prolonged cranking sounds or dashboard flickering, and it's best to have a professional test its voltage and health. Don't wait until a breakdown—towing fees can cost hundreds, while replacing the battery in advance is more economical. Prevention beats repair; addressing it early ensures smooth driving.