You head out to your Honda Civic in the morning and turn the key, but nothing happens. The battery is dead. How could you have known this was coming? How long do car batteries last, anyway? How do you replace one? Knowing the answers to these questions can help you keep your car in good working order.
How Long Do Honda Civic Batteries Last?
Estimating car battery life can be challenging because it varies significantly depending on the quality of the battery and the conditions it is used in. Most batteries will last between three and five years. It is typically best to change your battery at least once every five years. Trying to go longer than this will likely end up with your battery failing without notice.
Modern car batteries are well designed to work at close to full capacity up until they fail. This is good from a vehicle reliability perspective. However, it also means that your battery may stop working without any warning.
You can test a battery with a meter to see how strong of a charge it is holding. Older batteries may have less power output as they start to fail. This is most noticeable from the dimming headlights. However, your Civic’s battery will likely keep going strong until it fails completely.
The best way to ensure your battery is in good condition is to replace it every three to five years. Fortunately, this is a very easy process in most cars and trucks.
How Do You Replace a Battery?
The first step in replacing a battery is finding one that works for your vehicle. Not all car and truck batteries are the same. One of the easiest ways to find a fit is to use a VIN lookup tool with your favorite auto parts store. Your VIN identifies your car including the make, model and year. So, you can be confident that the results will be perfect matches for your vehicle.
Disconnect your existing battery starting with the ground (-) cable. Remove one cable at a time. Once the battery is disconnected, loosen the screw that holds it in place then pull the battery out. Place your new battery by following these steps in reverse order. You can find specific instructions for replacing your model year of Honda Civic battery in the owner’s manual.
Maximize Your Battery Life.
You can keep your battery going longer by making sure the cables are secured tightly. Avoid running your electronics for too long with the engine off or idling. For example, don’t leave your lights on when you aren’t driving. Additionally, try to avoid leaving your car in extreme temperatures whenever possible.
Take Care of Your Civic Battery
Check your Honda Civic battery with a meter. If necessary, get a car battery replacement. Replacing your battery is easy and usually inexpensive. It is far better to replace the battery every few years than to find yourself stranded due to it being dead. Take care of your battery and you’ll be riding around in your Honda Civic for years to come.
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