“Despite warranties that claim an expected battery life of four, five or six years, most vehicle batteries will fail after three and a half years, or even sooner,” said AAA Utah spokesperson Rolayne Fairclough. “Luckily, it’s possible to keep tabs on your battery’s charge by requesting a quick check every time your car is inspected.”

AAA offers these tips for getting the most out of your auto battery and knowing when to replace it:

– Before replacing a battery, have the battery, electrical and vehicle-charging system checked for problems.

– Slow or long engine cranking are signs of a weak battery.

– Dim headlights or illumination of the battery/charging system warning light on the cash may indicate a charging system problem.

– Keeping the battery case clean by wiping it down with a moist paper towel and mild detergent will help reduce any current drain caused by dirt or grime.

– Corrosion around the terminal connections and battery hold down can be cleaned with a small stiff brush and a solution of baking soda and water. Rinse the battery with water, but be careful of staining floors or driveways.

-If the battery has removable vent caps, check the electrolyte fluid level. It should be above the tops of the plates inside the battery. If fluid is needed, add distilled water, but do not overfill.

– Battery terminal connections should be tight. Adjust loose fittings or replace fittings that have cracked.

From now through Dec. 31, AAA members can receive a free 36-point visual inspection and detailed inspection report at participating Approved Auto Repair facilities. To find a participating repair facility, call (800) 645-4288, ext. 4, or visit www.aaa.com/freeinspection.

If your battery does give out, AAA may be able to save you a trip to the garage. Mobile AAA Battery Service uses state-of-the-art equipment to diagnose the battery’s condition, and our technician can either charge your battery or install a new one on the spot. Batteries installed by AAA Battery Service are high quality, priced at a discount for members and come with a three-year replacement warranty. Visit www.aaa.com/battery for more information.

Apart from timely preventative maintenance, another way to save yourself car-related time and trouble is to skip long lines at the DMV and renew your vehicle registration at a nearby AAA office. Locate AAA offices near you that offer DMV services by visiting www.aaa.com/dmv.