How Often to Replace a Car Battery

Are you wondering how often to replace a car battery? According to a majority of industry experts, it is recommended that you replace the battery after four to five years. However, there are several factors that affect battery life. If you have questions about your car battery, you’re not alone. Do not hesitate to reach out to the highly skilled technicians at the Honda of Lincoln service center.

How to Know If Your Car Battery Needs to Be Replaced

Before your battery reaches the end of its lifespan, you will likely notice one or more of the warning signs listed below:

• Dimming headlights
• More frequent need for engine revving or jump starts
• Takes longer to start the engine when you turn the key/push the button
• Unusual power fluctuations

Why Does Your Battery Deteriorate?

• Heat: Hot weather causes the evaporation of liquids inside a car battery. Your battery will typically not last as long if you live in an area with a warmer climate.
• Vibrations: If your battery’s hold-down clamps are loose, or you drive over rough roads frequently, vibrations will cause internal battery parts to break down faster.
• Needing a Jump: If your battery requires a jump start after accidentally forgetting to turn the lights off or for some other reason that drains the battery, it can cause your battery to wear out much faster.
• Time: The more you drive, the sooner your battery will need to be replaced. A car battery can only undergo a limited amount of charge cycles.

You will likely find information from the manufacturer regarding how long your car battery should last with proper care.

How to Test a Car Battery

When you bring your vehicle to Honda of Lincoln for routine maintenance, we would be glad to test your battery for you. If you would like to check the battery more often, there are a few ways you can do so right at home.

The Headlight Test: 

1. Turn on the engine while the car is in park. Turn on the headlights.
2. Rev the engine and see if the headlight brightness changes.
3. Did you notice that the headlights were brighter when you revved the engine? If so, it is a signal that the current is not strong enough to keep the brightness at the optimal level when the car is idle.
4. To ensure your battery is running properly, it is a good idea to have it looked at by a professional.

Using a Digital Multimeter:

1. Set the voltmeter to 20 DC volts.
2. Under the hood, touch the negative terminal (black) with the negative meter probe (also black).
3. Touch the positive terminal (red) with the positive meter probe (also red).
4. You will need a friend or family member to turn on the headlights and look at the reading on the voltmeter.
5. At 80℉, 12.5 volts or higher means your battery is fully charged. 12.3 volts means it’s at about 75% charged.11.8 volts or lower means you have 25% or less charge.

How Much is a Replacement Car Battery?

In most cases, it will cost somewhere between $75 and $120 to replace the battery in your car. The cost can be as much as $200 for a premium battery. If you drive a hybrid car, there is a significant difference in price because that battery does a lot more work. The cost to replace a hybrid battery can be anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000. The benefit of a hybrid vehicle is that you will save quite a bit on the cost of fuel.

Turn to the Service Experts at Honda of Lincoln

If it is time to replace your battery, be sure to visit the service center at Honda of Lincoln near Gretna and Bellevue. We want to help you get back on the road as soon as possible. To help you save even more on your next service appointment or parts purchase, be sure to take a look at our service and parts specials. You can also contact us at any time for more information. Learn more about your vehicle’s battery with a look at the available warranty coverage available for your Honda battery. Explore more helpful auto service tips to keep your car in top shape such as how to clean your car floor mats.