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6 minute read Published on Jan 6, 2026 by BrokerLink Communications
Many people want to know how long cars last in Canada. The truth is that many factors determine how long a car lasts, and one of these factors is the car battery. Your car requires a battery to run. Without it, your vehicle wouldn’t function. So today, we’re exploring the topic of car batteries. Below, you will learn what factors impact car battery life in Canada, as well as the average car battery life depending on its type.
Not all car batteries are the same, and the type you have can affect how long it lasts. Let's look at the different types:
The most common battery in Canadian vehicles is the lead-acid battery. According to CAA, these car batteries last around three to five years. But that’s just a general guideline, as things like your local climate, how often you drive, and the type and quality of battery you have can all make a difference. CAA also points out that with today’s drivers using more electronic charging, like plugging your phone or tablet into your car outlet, battery life tends to be closer to the three-year mark.
Then there are Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries. These are more durable, better suited for cold starts, recharge faster, and can last up to seven years with proper care. AGM batteries are becoming increasingly popular in Canada due to their resilience in extreme weather.
Lithium-ion batteries, which are mainly found in electric and hybrid vehicles, are generally thought to last 8 to 10 years. However, since electric cars are still pretty new, we haven’t seen enough of them reach the end of their lifespan to know for sure. According to the International Energy Agency, nearly 14 million new electric cars were registered globally in 2023, bringing the total number on the roads to 40 million, which means most are still too fresh to show much wear and tear on their batteries.
That said, electric car batteries, generally speaking, come with warranties of eight years or 160,000 kilometres (100,000 miles), whichever comes first. To find out how long your specific model of battery is expected to last, we recommend reviewing its warranty. A battery’s warranty will give you a strong indication as to how long the manufacturer expects it to last. The warranty can usually be found on the battery case or label.
Climate is one of the primary factors affecting how long your car battery lasts, and if you know anything about Canada, you'll know how much the climate varies depending on where in the country you live. Southern parts of Canada are known for their hot summers, and northern parts are known for their harsh winters. Different weather conditions and how they affect car batteries include:
Canada Drives says that when the temperature hits 0°C, your car battery can lose roughly 35% of its power. But by the time it drops to -17°C, that loss increases to around 60%. In many parts of Canada, like Alberta and Manitoba, you may see those negative temperatures regularly for several months. Even Northern Ontario deals with extreme cold in the winter. In fact, in early January 2025, CTV News reported that CAA received roughly 1,000 service calls per day in Northern Ontario during a particularly cold week. Most of the calls were primarily due to battery issues.
Summer heat can be even tougher on car batteries. Kal Tire points out that older vehicles used to have plenty of space under the hood to allow air flow to cool things down, including the battery. But today’s engines are packed tighter, leaving less room for airflow. So when the temperature hits 30°C or higher, your battery is literally ‘cooking'.
Hot summer temperatures mess with battery chemistry, speed up internal cell corrosion, and evaporate battery fluid, reducing battery life. Too much heat can also cause your battery to discharge faster, leading to its eventual failure. In Ontario, drivers face both cold winters and hot, humid summers. This seasonal swing puts extra strain on batteries for drivers in Ontario, meaning your car battery may not last as long as someone who lives in British Columbia, where the temperatures are generally milder.
It might be time for a new car battery if:
Your engine cranks slowly
Your car won't start
Your headlights dim when idling
You’re constantly boosting your battery
Your dashboard warning light comes on
Your electronic accessories start to fail
Your car horn sounds strange
According to CAA, car batteries perform best at around 25°C, so if you live in parts of Canada that regularly experience extreme temperatures, these conditions can speed up wear on your battery. If it's nearing three years old, consider getting your battery tested annually, especially before winter hits, as a weak battery will struggle in the cold.
If you're looking for ways to extend the life of your vehicle battery, consider the following tips:
Try to drive your car regularly, as batteries stay healthier and can retain a sufficient charge when they’re being used often. If you plan to store your car for winter, make sure you protect the battery with a trickle charger or by unplugging and removing it to store in a warm place.
Try to limit short trips, especially in the winter, since they don’t give your battery enough time to fully recharge. Instead, aim to take your car out for a longer drive a few times a week during colder months to give your alternator the time it needs to properly recharge the battery.
Whenever possible, park your car in a garage or under a shaded area to protect your battery from extreme cold and heat.
Inspect the car battery terminals every few months for signs of corrosion and clean them with a wire brush. Replace any fraying battery cables.
Have your battery performance tested annually.
Staying on top of battery maintenance doesn’t take much effort, but it can save you from the hassle (and cost) of a dead battery when you least expect it.
If your car battery dies, which happens to just about everyone sooner or later, you’ve got a few options. You may assume you need to run out and buy a new one right away, but that’s not always necessary. Before spending the money, try jump-starting it with another vehicle or a portable jump pack. If you’re lucky, that might be all it takes to get back on the road.
However, if the jump doesn’t work, or your car keeps stalling right after the cables come off, it’s probably time for a new battery. The same goes if you’re constantly dealing with slow starts or needing frequent boosts. That’s your battery’s way of telling you that it won't last much longer.
No, car insurance doesn’t typically cover battery failure on its own. This is because it’s considered part of regular wear and tear. However, roadside assistance, which is often offered as an add-on to your car insurance policy, can help if your battery dies unexpectedly. Services like battery boosts or emergency starts are usually included in these packages.
If you have coverage through your insurer, you won’t have to pay out of pocket for a boost on a cold morning. Some roadside assistance plans may even offer battery replacement services at a discounted rate. If you're worried about your car battery, it's a good idea to check if your current policy includes roadside assistance. If it doesn't, reach out to BrokerLink. We can help you find the perfect policy at a competitive rate that includes roadside assistance.
If you want to know more about a car battery's lifespan in Canada or if your car insurance includes battery replacement, contact BrokerLink today.
You can reach us by phone, email, or in person at any one of our locations throughout Canada. No matter how you choose to get in touch, a BrokerLink insurance advisor will be happy to assist you. We also encourage you to take advantage of our free online quote tool that can provide you with a competitive quote in minutes.
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