What's the longest you've had a battery last?

[Paddo]

A couple weeks ago I tried to start my truck (2000 Limited) after work and the battery was dead. I got a jump, but started thinking it was time to shop for a new battery. I bought it in 2012 (under 60k miles!) and I wasn't sure how old the battery was.

Then yesterday before work, I went to start my truck and the engine barely turned over enough to start. So I started shopping around for batteries and went to Sears after work to get a DieHard Gold replacement, since that's what it had already. I decided to go with the DieHard Gold AGM version, and when I handed the guy my old battery I asked him what the age was. He pointed to the sticker on the side and said it was from 2001. So apparently that battery lasted 14 years.

The truck lived in Las Vegas from 2000 until 2012 when I bought it, then it lived in the cold in Flagstaff, AZ until last May, when I moved to Phoenix. Everyone who lives in Phoenix says their batteries generally last about 2-3 years, so I'm not shocked that it started dying 15 months after moving here. What is shocking is that it was 14 years old when it started dying.

The weather in Vegas is pretty hot - close to Phoenix's temps usually, and Flagstaff gets extremely cold (below 0 in the winter). Has anyone else had a battery last to a similar age?

 

[fourwd1]

I've had OEM Panasonic batteries last 15-16 yrs.
An aftermarket replacement might last 5, they're re manufacturered.

 

[Ezlife45]

I've had OEM batteries on other vehicles last 9-12 years. Replacements typically get me 5 or so.

 

[Drunner97]

I think my OEM on the Tacoma lasted about 5 years before it had to be replaced.

 

[UnderFire]

The interstate workaholics went into my dad's excursion in 2003 and are still working, not as well as new, but they'll start the 7.3 after sitting a month or two.

 

[Lester Lugnut]

So much for the story that summer heat is hard on batteries.

 

[cashmoney]

I tend to get 5-6 years out of aftermarket or oem.

 

[wanderMT]

I've had good luck with batteries. I attribute to use of 'Battery Tenders". I have 3 of them and if I don't drive vehicle for week or so, will hook up a Tender. Also use on motorcycle and lawn mower. If battery is serviceable, keep plates submerged in acid/distilled water, fully charged, and clean top and terminals and seem to last long time.

 

[Mgyver1]

I have yet to have a starting battery last 3 years in the Vegas heat. It always dies just before the free replacement is up, which works out for me. I only have to buy a battery every 6 years (They only honor the free battery once)

 

[Bandit Runner]

My OEM battery lasted 10 years.

 

[Ghetro]

I have yet to have a starting battery last 3 years in the Vegas heat. It always dies just before the free replacement is up, which works out for me. I only have to buy a battery every 6 years (They only honor the free battery once)

Yeah I think you have to be somewhere pretty temperate to get more than 5 years or so. I'm in Denver (with frequent outdoor overnight stays above 10,000 feet in the winter) and ill be lucky to get 3. Pep Boys guarantees theirs forever, so get a nice one the first time and then pay $20 each thereafter.

 

[Paddo]

So much for the story that summer heat is hard on batteries.

Yeah! Now it makes me wonder how long it would have lasted if I hadn't moved to Phoenix... Oh well, I hope the new one has a similar life.

 

[Chuckles89]

I have an Autocraft Platinum battery in my '98 that is 6.5 years old. It has never failed me so far

 

[wadle5]

Just replaced my OEM two months ago. 2006 4runner so probably a 2005 battery. I don't know what, but it happened right after our longest roadtrip ever in it. Driving 16 hrs straight parked the car when we got home. Went to start it 2 days later and wouldn't even click.

 

[Ron4RNevada]

It's bad luck to brag about how long your battery has lasted -> you're all going to need a new one next week-----------:lookout:

 

[santanvalleydirt]

I got my Runner about a year ago. I replaced the battery a few months ago, but the one that had been in it was put in 8 years ago. The previous owner had lived in Flagstaff, so I think once it got to the heat it was like "Eh I'm out." 8 years is the longest I've ever seen personally.

 

[LandCruiser]

Never more than 3 years.

I leave my vehicles outside and cranking it in the bitter cold kills all of them.

 

[Jason P.]

Had an OEM Infiniti G35X ('06) last for about 100k miles before I needed a swap.

 

[nevada]

my 06 still has the original Panasonic battery. last winter on very cold days, or any time I didn't drive it for 3-4 days, it would crank slow.

a few weeks ago I checked, and the water was low. I topped it off, and gave it a good charge. it has been good so far. we will see how it does this winter.

 

[realcarfun]

I never changed battery for my cars.

maybe I never drove a car older than 5 years. Now, I have 2 new cars and i drive them in turn. In next 10 years, each car will have a mileage of 100k. Does the life span of battery depend on age or mileage?