Whether you drive a 2019 Ford F-150 or an older vehicle, you’ll need to replace your battery at some point if you own your automobile long enough. When you think about what your battery does, it’s easy to understand why it will wear out over time. Your battery starts your engine singlehandedly, for starters. It also supplies power to a lot of your car’s systems, such as your infotainment system.

Car batteries often last between three and five years. Several factors will influence your battery’s lifespan, such as the climate in your area and the quality of the battery you buy. In general, batteries last longer in cooler climates. Higher quality batteries also last longer than their lower quality brethren.

While you might not want to relocate just so your car’s battery will enjoy a longer working life, you can do a few things to prolong your battery’s life. Here are some of the things you can do:

  • Avoid the heat: With the heat causing batteries to wear out sooner, you should do what you can to keep your car out of the heat whenever possible. Parking in a temperature-controlled garage or in a shaded parking spot is one way to keep your battery cooler.
  • Refrain from draining the battery: When you engage your battery without the engine running, it will shorten your battery’s lifespan. If you want to listen to music or use the air conditioning, start the engine rather than just using the battery.
  • Make sure your battery is secure: You should make sure your battery is secure in its proper position. If it’s not, it might vibrate which can result in damage that will cause it to fail prematurely.

If you’re wondering how much life your battery has, bring your car into our Ford service center near Kearny Mesa, CA or contact Kearny Mesa Ford to schedule a service appointment today.