How Often to Replace a Car Battery

As any Big Lake driver can tell you, car batteries don’t last forever, and replacing one is just part of the cost of car ownership. But how much is a replacement car battery? And how do you know if your car battery needs to be replaced? Cornerstone Chevrolet’s service department is here to help! In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about replacing your battery, including how much it costs to replace a car battery, how to know if your car battery needs to be replaced, how to test it, and how long a car battery can go before being replaced.

How to Know if Your Car Battery Needs to Be Replaced

If your car won’t start or the electrical systems won’t engage without a jumpstart, it’s well past time to have your battery replaced. Stay on the lookout for signs of decay before that happens, so that you don’t find yourself stranded outside of Buffalo:

• 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

How to Test a Car Battery

You can test the power output of your battery either during regular maintenance or on your own with a device called a multimeter. If you choose to use a multimeter, follow the steps below to test your car battery. Otherwise, schedule an appointment with our service center and take advantage of our certified battery service.

• Set the voltmeter to 20 DC volts.
• Under the hood, touch the negative terminal (black) with the negative meter probe (also black).
• Touch the positive terminal (red) with the positive meter probe (also red)
• Have a friend turn on the headlights and check the voltmeter reading.
• 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?

Car batteries cost on average between $75 and $120 at most St. Michael auto parts stores. Premium batteries will run a little higher, of course, ranging from $90 to $200. Every repair shop has its own rates for installing a battery, but you can take advantage of Cornerstone Chevrolet’s service specials to help you save money on your car battery replacement.

How Often to Replace a Car Battery

How often to replace a car battery can depend on a number of factors, but the average car battery lasts from three to five years. Starting a car several times a day for short trips can drain a car battery faster than if you only start your car a couple of times a day for longer trips. Harsh weather conditions can also have an impact on the lifespan of a battery. Most batteries are covered by a warranty for the first year after purchase.

Get Certified Battery Service at Cornerstone Chevrolet!

If your battery is running low or needs replacing, contact Cornerstone Chevrolet’s service department today! Our team will test and replace your battery so that you can get on with your day. Have more battery questions or questions about your Chevy battery? Learn everything you need to know about Chevy batteries from our certified experts in Monticello.