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How long do car batteries last?

My car battery has been failing me recently but it's only been two years since I last replaced it. What's the average life of a car battery?

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Hana Sabah · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Replacing your car battery every other year does seem like too much. Most often, your car will need a new battery after three to four years. However, some do last as little as two.
Here are some easy ways to spot if your battery is failing.
A slow-starting engine: If you notice your car is taking a bit longer to start, it’s likely a sign that the components inside your battery are starting to wear out.
The check engine light is on: Car owners are notorious for ignoring the check engine light. Although it could mean a lot of things, it’s usually the first sign your battery is hanging on for dear life. Get your battery tested at an auto parts store or repair shop to find out if it’s the culprit.
Dim lights and electrical issues: If you notice your lights aren’t as bright or don’t always turn on—and if your radio only works sometimes or doesn’t work at all—it’s not a ghost messing with you. It’s your car battery.
The battery powers all of the electronics in your vehicle. So if the electrical components of your car start to act wonky, it’s time for a battery change.
Note that phone chargers and anything else you plug into your vehicle will sap your car battery’s energy and shorten its overall lifespan.
Your car insurance will not cover battery replacement unless the battery was damaged in an accident. However, many batteries come with one- to three-year warranties. So you may want to see if yours is still covered if it’s relatively new but currently failing.
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