How often do you replace a car battery?

The average car battery lasts from three to five years, but many factors effect the lifespan of a car battery. Driving habits, climate and operating conditions effect a battery's overall durability and vary with use.

Warm weather is typically harder on a car battery than cold weather is, and regular use of the car stereo, headlights, horn or computers while the car isn't running is known to prematurely drain it as well. A battery with corrosion on its terminals or dirty, frayed cables tends to drain faster than a well-maintained, clean battery does. A battery drains faster with frequent trips that involve driving short distances of 20 minutes or less because it never gets a chance to fully recharge.