What is the lifespan of a car battery?

[McRuby]

Car batteries typically last between 2 to 3 years. The lifespan of a battery is directly related to driving conditions, road conditions, and the driver's habits. Methods to extend battery life: Avoid using electrical devices after turning off the engine: In daily use, try to avoid using vehicle electrical devices, such as listening to the radio or watching videos, when the engine is not running. Disconnect the battery if the car is unused for a long time: If the vehicle is parked for an extended period, be sure to disconnect the battery. Even when the vehicle is locked with the remote, although the electrical system enters a dormant state, there is still a small amount of current consumption. Regular charging: If the vehicle is frequently used for short trips, the battery may not be fully charged in time, significantly shortening its lifespan. It is necessary to periodically drive on the highway or use an external device to charge the battery.

[DeIsla]

I've been driving for over a decade, and car batteries typically last between 3 to 5 years, but it really depends on usage. Batteries in cars frequently used for short trips tend to drain faster—like when I only drove 2-3 kilometers daily for work, my battery died in just two years. Leaving headlights or the stereo on after turning off the engine is particularly damaging. Once, I forgot to turn off the reading light overnight and the battery was completely dead by morning. Corrosion on battery terminals should also be cleaned promptly, as poor contact can shorten its lifespan. During regular maintenance, ask the mechanic to test the starting voltage—if it drops below 12 volts, it's time for a replacement. In humid southern regions, batteries are prone to leakage, while extreme cold in the north can cause them to crack, so maintenance priorities vary by environment.

[LilahMarie]

As someone who frequently deals with cars, I've found that battery life inspection shouldn't solely rely on time. Slower engine cranking speed during startup is a warning sign, and if the voltmeter reads below 10 volts at the moment of starting, it's dangerous. Maintenance-free batteries have an inspection window—when it turns black, it's time for a replacement. During installation, ensure the battery is securely fastened, as road bumps can lead to terminal breakage. Vehicles with start-stop functionality are better off using AGM batteries, as regular batteries can't handle frequent starts. Upgrading to high-power audio systems or installing dash cams can shorten battery life; a 20% increase in electrical load can halve the lifespan. It's advisable to start monthly battery checks two years after installation.

[SaraLee]

My experience is that how long a battery lasts depends on usage habits. Cars that frequently go on long trips have fully charged batteries, and it's common for them to last five years. On the other hand, those used for short commutes tend to suffer from power loss and have shorter lifespans. High summer temperatures cause electrolyte evaporation, while winter starts at sub-zero temperatures place a heavy load on the battery. Once when I was on a business trip in Northeast China, my car wouldn't start after being parked outdoors for two days at -25°C. Modern cars have many electronic devices, and even after locking, anti-theft systems continue to drain power. For cars left idle for long periods, it's best to start them for 20 minutes weekly to recharge. Battery terminal oxidation should be cleaned promptly—I always use boiling water to wash away corrosion.