It depends. The battery needs to be charged as soon as possible after the car has been driven. A car battery will function best when it is fully charged. If the battery is allowed to discharge to a low state, it will not provide the amount of energy that it is supposed to. Charge the battery immediately, and then you will be able to get the most extended life out of it. The average car battery is designed to last three to five years, but it can be longer if you take good care of it.