Xtracars®® Blog
Car Tips and Tricks
How long does a car battery last? Everything you need to know.
Whether it’s a traditional or an electric car, the battery plays a crucial role in how your vehicle functions. Think of it as the heart of your car – just like our own, it requires regular care.
Since this topic still raises many questions, we’re here to explain the main situations you might face. From what affects battery life, to how to avoid unpleasant surprises and, of course, how long a car battery typically lasts.
Practical guide: everything about car batteries.
Want to master the key concepts about car batteries? Start by identifying the type of battery your vehicle uses, conventional or electric.
- Combustion engine cars (petrol or diesel): These use a 12V battery. It powers the engine start-up and supports electrical systems like lights, radio and air conditioning.
- Electric cars: These are fitted with a high-voltage battery (typically lithium-ion), which powers the electric motor and defines the car’s range.
Now it’s time to recognize the signs of wear and find out how long a car battery lasts on average. Let’s go!
So, how long does a car battery last?
Maintaining good driving habits goes a long way in extending battery life. Avoid leaving your car unused for long periods and make sure regular service is up to date. Of course, if you opt for a Xtracars car subscription, our technical support is always included.
Combustion engine car battery:
Average lifespan: 2 to 5 years.
Depends on: climate, usage frequency, battery quality, and maintenance.
Electric car battery:
Average lifespan: 8 to 15 years.
Depends on: charging cycles, ambient temperature, driving style, and battery management software.
What affects battery life?
Here are some of the main factors that can speed up battery wear:
Extreme weather: both intense cold and excessive heat impact battery performance.
Short and infrequent journeys: don’t allow the battery to fully recharge. A partially drained battery may need 30 minutes to 1 hour of continuous driving to recover.
Lack of maintenance: dirty or corroded terminals can interfere with current flow.
Poor charging habits (for electric cars): charging to 100% or letting the battery hit 0% regularly can shorten its lifespan. Frequent fast charging should also be avoided.
Signs it’s time for a replacement.
Sometimes, a battery’s life is simply up. When that happens, replacement is the only option. Here are the key signs it’s time for a change:
- Trouble starting the engine
- Dim or flickering lights
- Dashboard warning lights
- Strange smells (like rotten eggs), which may signal an acid leak
If you notice any of these symptoms, get your battery checked as soon as possible or risk being stranded.
With Xtracars, battery issues aren’t your problem.
Xtracars subscription plans include everything, and we mean everything. That includes maintenance, so you never have to worry about replacing the battery or dealing with unexpected costs.
Even better, you can boost your peace of mind with one of our optional extras. Like the Total Car Rental Protection – SCDW add-on, which lets you enjoy your time to the fullest, worry-free. All you need to think about is your next destination. We’ll take care of the rest.
