How Long Does a Battery Usually Last in a Volkswagen?

Your car’s battery can last for five years or longer if you provide proper care. Extreme weather conditions, however, may shorten the lifespan of your battery. This can lead to a replacement need in two or three years. Other factors that may negatively impact your battery’s life include:

• Vibrations coming from worn clamps. Your battery may wear faster when it is not properly secured.
• Frequent jumpstarts. Leaving your exterior lights on overnight is the most common way to run down the battery. The interior light staying on through the night wears on the car’s battery as well. You may need to replace your component after the third jumpstart.

How Do You Know When the Battery Needs to Be Replaced?

A dim dashboard is one of the more obvious signs that it may be time to replace your battery. You should also consider replacing the unit if your headlights are noticeably dimmer than usual. More subtle signs that a battery may need to be replaced include:

• Rotten egg smell. A leaking battery emits an odor that is evident every time you open the hood of your car.
• Slow starts. The battery is responsible for powering your engine and other components that give your vehicle life. Slow turn-overs may be a sign that the component is worn.
• A bulging battery case. This sign is typical when your vehicle is subjected to extreme weather conditions. In these instances, the case around your battery expands when temperatures are too high or low. The result is the premature death of your car’s battery.