• Buying Guides

How Long do Car Batteries Last in Florida?

By Autolist Editorial | June 20, 2019

Car batteries in Florida last two to three years on average, which is half the car battery life of colder areas in the United States. That's because Florida's hot weather takes a toll on the lead-acid batteries found in most cars. However, the speed at which the life of your car battery declines depends on other factors, too, such as your driving habits and how often you get routine maintenance.

How Long Do Car Batteries Last in Florida?

Many people assume cold weather is the main threat to battery lifespans, but hot weather can be a larger one. In mild and cold climates, a gasoline or diesel car's battery can last five to six years with proper maintenance, and hybrid and electric car batteries can survive for up to eight years. Car batteries in New Jersey, for example, last 47 months on average. In warm states, by contrast, making a car battery last long periods is much more difficult. Typically, car owners in Florida can't go more than three years without needing a new battery.

Most cars use rechargeable lead-acid batteries based on Gaston Planté's 1859 design, due to their affordability, high power-to-weight ratios, and low energy-to-weight and energy-to-volume ratios. However, lead-acid batteries suffer in hot climates. The heat saps water from the battery and causes sulfation, the accumulation of harmful lead-sulfate crystals in the battery. Excessive heat in the Sunshine State can also make the battery's plates buckle. An old battery usually expires without warning signs, but sometimes it can explode.

Other Factors That Diminish a Battery's Lifespan

Of course, heat isn't the only thing that hurts car batteries. The quality of the battery is key. More expensive batteries last longer, and a solid rule of thumb is that the battery's lifespan is roughly equal to its cost divided by 20. A $40 battery, therefore, should last about two years. The battery's design also plays a role in its longevity. Hybrid batteries, such as lithium-ion and nickel metal hybrid ones, can withstand much more damage than lead-acid batteries. Although a car's spark plugs and electronics don't tax lead-acid batteries much, cranking the engine does. The battery's position in the car can also influence how long it lasts. If the battery sits in the back, such as in a Cadillac, it's not as exposed to the sun, ensuring it doesn't decline as quickly. Driving on rough roads for long stretches can hurt the battery as well, especially if it's not well-secured. Make sure the battery's hold-down clamps are tight before driving.

How often you take in your vehicle for maintenance has a big effect on how long the battery lives. Don't just visit the mechanic when the battery shows warning signs. Go in regularly, and ask the auto technician to look over the battery. You should also take the car for test drives periodically to see how it runs. Many car owners undergo battery replacement every four years, just so the battery doesn't die on them when they're driving. Finally, a major cause of a prematurely dead battery is misuse of the car. Leaving on the vehicle's radio or lights when it's not running or leaving electronic accessories plugged into the car prevents the battery's charging system from rejuvenating. It's a good idea to drive your car regularly instead of leaving it stocked, especially if you live in a hot state such as Florida, where a warm garage can discharge the car's electrical system quickly.

How to Know When Your Car Battery Is Dead

New car battery models don't always present warning signs before croaking, so your best bet is to have a mechanic look over the battery now and then to see if it's near the end of its lifespan. Older batteries, on the other hand, show plenty of signs of decay. If the battery requires frequent jump starts, for example, it's probably on its way out. A battery gives the engine the jolt it needs to start. When the engine doesn't start, that usually means the battery can't hold enough energy to activate it.

If your headlights, brake lights or interior lights don't turn on, that's another bad sign, though dead lights can also result from faulty wiring or broken bulbs. Gradually dimming headlights indicate the battery is starting to fail. Another sign of a dying battery is difficulty with cold cranking. Cold-cranking amps — that is, the industry rating for a battery's capacity to fire up an engine in low temperatures — decline as the battery wanes, meaning it's harder to start the car in cold weather.

What to Do When Your Car Battery Dies

Every car battery dies eventually. When yours kicks the bucket, it's time to contact a mechanic or visit a repair shop or auto parts store to get a new battery. Just make sure the battery is really dead and not just in need of recharging. Loosely connected battery cables can make a car battery appear dead, for example, when all you need to do is clean and tighten them. Most batteries have one-, two- or three-year warranties, depending on their quality. Warranties for very expensive batteries can even last 72 months. Check the warranty to determine whether you're eligible for a free battery to replace your dead one, and make sure you have the receipt in case you decide to use the warranty.

You may also be able to estimate the battery's lifespan based on the manufacture date stamped on the battery. In addition, when replacing the battery, make sure you get the right size and design for your vehicle. Some batteries only apply to cars from certain companies or countries, and some feature battery terminals on the sides rather than the top. If you have a rare vehicle, you may need to buy a factory-branded replacement battery from the dealer directly.

Florida heat is hard on car batteries, but so are many other things. Although you can expect your battery to last just two or three years in the Sunshine State if you don't take precautions, routine maintenance and careful handling of the car can stretch out the battery's lifespan.

Popular Local Car Searches in Florida