Does it seem like your car battery has been going strong for a longer period of time? You’re not wrong—it actually is! Car battery technology has been improving considerably over the last several years in order to provide a better, more dependable power, voltage and amperage output for a longer period of time. What’s more, not only are batteries themselves improving in terms of quality and science, but technology advancements in the automotive industry overall has also contributed to longer lasting car batteries.

Here are five reasons why we’re getting a better life cycle out of our batteries and what you can do to make sure your car has the battery power it needs.

Better Alternators

One of the reasons batteries have continued to last is simply because the alternators that charge them have gotten better. Today’s alternators are lighter-weight and yet can produce more power than models from as little as ten years ago. This means a faster and more complete charge for your battery, a constantly-higher voltage, and generally better conditioning for your battery that keeps it working even longer. While our cars seem to have become even more dependent on electrical power, our batteries have been able to handle the load even better thanks to better alternators that turn our engine rotations into usable electricity.

Better Starters

Today’s cars are simply easier to start. The number-one power drain on your battery is your engine start: an electric motor that can draw hundreds of amperes of current in order to turn the engine over and get it to start igniting and cycling properly. Thanks to better starter motors, our batteries don’t need to provide nearly as much power and that means they’ll generally last longer when under less stress.

More-Efficient Onboard Systems

Speaking of less stress on our batteries, our cars themselves are actually getting more energy efficient. While this is true for fuel, it’s also true for electricity—with LED lighting becoming more commonplace, LED screens being used in place of traditional LCD or other display technology, and more intelligent wiring and connection systems, our cars are drawing less power than they did before. This is especially true when it comes to headlights—the brightest lights on your car. Whereas older lights depended on dimmer incandescent bulbs that drew a ton of power to light up, modern cars are more dependent on bright, efficient LED setups or HID bulbs that use less energy than their predecessors.

Car Battery Testing

Of course, while batteries have improved considerably, they can and do still die after some time, and these modern batteries come with a bit of a trade-off. While they do last considerably longer than they used to, they also tend to give out with little to no warning. In fact, you may not even realize that your battery is starting to show signs of dying until it’s too late and you’re stuck with a car that won’t start. We strongly advise having your battery checked and tested when you bring your car in for routine maintenance to ensure it’s in good health and will last.

About Christian Brothers Automotive

Christian Brothers Automotive is the leading name in car care and repair. For more than three decades, our team of certified technicians has offered a full range of repair and maintenance services for all different makes and models of vehicles. From routine maintenance and simple fixes to complex repairs and more, we can help you with any problem your electrical system may be having. We even offer comprehensive battery testing and replacement when the time comes!

Have your battery issues resolved by the pros from Christian Brothers Automotive! Contact your local location today to schedule your service or bring your car in today!

Posted by, Christian Brothers Automotive