Car batteries seem to always die at the worst possible times. How many people have had a dead battery on the coldest night of the year, in the middle of a rainstorm or right before an important event? Dealing with a dead battery usually involves a jumpstart or a free VIN lookup to rule out any other issues. Throughout the life of your vehicle, you’ll need to replace your car battery a few times. If you drive a Jeep Wrangler, here is what you need to know about how long you can expect your battery to last.
Jeep Wrangler Battery Life
On average, a Jeep Wrangler car battery lasts between three and five years. Some drivers may get a little more life out of their battery, depending on a variety of factors, and others may have to replace their battery more often. Car battery life is determined by several different things, and some Jeep Wrangler owners can change a few of these to get more out of their battery.
Driving Habits
The way you drive sometimes can make a difference in how long your Jeep Wrangler battery lasts. If you are constantly going from place to place, shutting off the engine in between small trips in the car, it’s going to drain your battery more than a single long drive in the vehicle. Additionally, if your Jeep Wrangler sits in your driveway without being started for days or weeks at a time, it may slowly start to drain the battery and cause issues.
Weather
The weather is also a big part of a battery’s potential to last for years. The best climate for a Jeep Wrangler car battery is one where the temperature doesn’t get too hot or too cold. Freezing temperatures and other winter extremes may also add more strain on your battery and make it need a replacement sooner. The heat may also lead to more frequent battery problems, as high temperatures put more wear and tear on the battery when trying to hold a charge.
Maintenance
Before going out for a big trip, it may also be wise to check the battery yourself for a potential problem. Once a month or so, use a voltmeter to check the charge on your battery. You’ll want to see a fully charged battery of at least 12.7 volts. Less than that may signal a problem with your battery or that it doesn’t have enough of a charge. A car battery replacement may be recommended if the charge is consistently below 12.5.
Power
Drivers should also be mindful of how much power they use when they turn their car’s engine off. Today, with the advent of digital devices, sophisticated electronics and interactive car computer systems, it’s easy to get caught up in the functionality of your Jeep Wrangler’s bells and whistles when waiting in your car. Sitting in the car and using the electronics on a regular basis may lead to a shorter battery life.
Focus on the Fun
Protect yourself from the inconvenience of a dead battery in your Jeep Wrangler and be aware of your battery’s condition. Focus on the experience of riding in your Jeep and exploring new roads instead of worrying about the potential for a dead battery.
