It’s one of the questions we hear most. The honest answer: 3–4 years on average for a standard battery and 4–5 years for an AGM, but how you drive and Canberra’s climate make a big difference.
The typical lifespan
A good-quality standard battery in an everyday car lasts 3–4 years on average. AGM batteries in stop-start cars average 4–5 years when they’re looked after, while a battery that’s often run flat may only last a couple of years.
What shortens battery life
- Summer heat speeds up wear inside the battery
- Short trips never let the battery fully recharge
- Running it flat, even once or twice, causes lasting damage
- The wrong battery type, such as a standard battery in a stop-start car
- Loose or corroded terminals that stop it charging properly
Why Canberra is tough on batteries
Hot summers wear a battery down, then frosty winter mornings ask it for the most power. That combination is why so many Canberra batteries seem to fail without warning in June and July.
How to get more years from yours
Drive for at least 30 minutes once a week, switch off accessories before you turn the car off, and get the battery tested once it passes three years old.
Every Canberra Roadside Battery Assist callout includes a free battery health check, so you’ll know how much life your battery has left.
