How Old Is Your Battery?

In general, your auto will usually need a new battery after three to four years. Replacing your battery is another part of routine maintenance. Getting your battery checked and inspected is standard for your service visits after three years, even if you haven't needed it replaced yet. To help the life span of the battery.... TURN OFF ALL ELECTRONICS BEFORE YOU TURN OFF YOUR ENGINE Your battery’s primary function is to provide the power needed to start your engine. Once your engine is running, it acts as a generator that supplies power to your battery. If your air conditioning is left on when you turn off your car, the next time your turn your key in the ignition, you’re tasking your battery with starting the engine AND starting the AC, which puts an added strain on your battery. For the same reason, unplug external electronics like cell phones and iPods before you turn off your engine. DON’T RUN ANYTHING ELECTRIC WHEN YOUR ENGINE ISN’T RUNNING Your battery is made to start your car, not to power your headlights and radio. If you’re sitting in your car waiting for someone and you need your headlights on or want to listen to your radio, just keep your engine running so that it generates the electricity to power your battery. KEEP YOUR BATTERY TERMINAL CORROSION-FREE Even if you have no idea what’s going on under the hood, you can easily identify corrosion on the battery—it’s a chalky white buildup. Clean it off with baking soda mixed with water: dip an old toothbrush in the baking soda water and scrub the terminal clean, use a water spray bottle to rinse the terminal, then dry with a clean cloth. Be sure to wear rubber gloves when doing this—they call it battery acid for a reason. PARK IN A GARAGE WHENEVER POSSIBLE Extreme heat and cold can both drain your battery’s power. INVEST IN A BATTERY TENDER If you don’t use your car for extended periods, invest in a battery tender. An idle battery slowly loses its charge. To keep an idle battery at full capacity, it should be charged every six weeks. The cost of a battery will vary based on the year of your vehicle, model and who you’re purchasing the battery from. On average batteries for newer vehicles cost anywhere from $80 to $150. Premium batteries for luxury vehicles can run as high as $200. Keep in mind, that cost doesn’t include installation or your mechanic’s labour. A reputable mechanic shop will probably charge an average of $70 for installation.