How often should you change car batteries?

Phokus

Lifer
Nov 20, 1999
22,994
779
126
I look this question up on google and i see anywhere from 3-7 years... wtf? My fiancee has a 2002 toyota camry with 60k miles and she hasn't changed it yet (this is in cold new england btw), do you guys think it's time?
 

Phokus

Lifer
Nov 20, 1999
22,994
779
126
Are you guys kidding? I'd rather avoid waiting for the battery to die :p
 

iamaelephant

Diamond Member
Jul 25, 2004
3,816
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Originally posted by: iamwiz82
When it stops holding a charge.

Yup. It varies with temperature and use. In a cold climate where you start and car often you will have to replace it every 12 months. In a temperate climate where the cars gets used a few times a week it could last 4 or more years.
 

Vette73

Lifer
Jul 5, 2000
21,503
9
0
I have seen car batteries last 10years and some die before they are 1 year old. So as already said, if it is working, don;t fix it.
 

smack Down

Diamond Member
Sep 10, 2005
4,507
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Originally posted by: Phokus
Are you guys kidding? I'd rather avoid waiting for the battery to die :p

Unless it is impossible to get a jump start where you live there is no need to fix what is not broken. Edit most batteries will die in early winter when it first gets really cold out so your battery should be good for at least 6 months.
 

d33pt

Diamond Member
Jan 12, 2001
5,654
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81
still on the original battery since 1999... been waiting for it to die so i can buy a nicer one, but it just keeps going.
 

radioouman

Diamond Member
Nov 4, 2002
8,632
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Wait until it dies.
Got 4.5 years out of the wife's, and I have 5 so far out of mine. Got 6 out of my truck's until I left the lights on one day at work. Wouldn't hold a charge after that.
 

Gibson486

Lifer
Aug 9, 2000
18,378
1
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Originally posted by: d33pt
still on the original battery since 1999... been waiting for it to die so i can buy a nicer one, but it just keeps going.

nicer one? You can't really tell what you have once the battery is in there. unless, that is, you have to work hard to get your car started. if that is the case, you need a new battery.
 

lokiju

Lifer
May 29, 2003
18,526
5
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Originally posted by: iamwiz82
When it stops holding a charge.

Winar!

To add to the post a little more, I have my factory stock battery in my '99 Tahoe.

Sure the battery will die rather quickly if I leave a light on for a little to long or whatever but I just jump it and keep on going.

Once it won't hold a charge then I'll replace it with a better one.
 

jagec

Lifer
Apr 30, 2004
24,442
6
81
Originally posted by: Phokus
Are you guys kidding? I'd rather avoid waiting for the battery to die :p

Why? You can tell when it's starting to die, it's not like the car suddenly explodes or something. If it's getting harder and harder to start in the morning, that's your first clue.