My experience is that a new car battery lasts, on average, three years. I've got a '97 turning two. Has anyone had to replace their car battery yet? Is it like my Merkur, the car won't run due to the engine management needing a certain sustainable voltage? PS - It is nice to have all wheel drive with this recent rash of snowy weather...

Various factors can affect the life of a typical lead acid car battery. The most significant is keeping it fully charged. If you don't drive everyday, the battery self distcharges and the various loads drain the batttery. I had a weekend car and the battery lasted only about two years. Frequent deep discharges also shorten battery life, ie leaving your lights on. <p>For a car that gets driven everyday, with enough distance to fully charge it, and no deep discharges, then a battery could last five years. <p>Paul<br>