Each time I get a new battery, it seems to last a shorter and shorter time. This last one did not even make it two years (short by 3-4 months) when I found my car dead in the garage, I did not even bother to just recharge it (jumping from another car rarely seems to work on this car unless I get a pro, maybe I need one of those jump starter packs..... ), as it seemed suddenly severely depleted... The trunk closer and door locks barely worked. I did not leave the lights on or anything. I still have the old battery and could get it tested, etc. But just wondering as I have never had another car seem to be so harsh on batteries, or maybe the batteries are just bad. I have been at home more, with short trips and maybe a 40 mile drive every two weeks (the rest being shorter), for around 1 month, and It has been cold. Should I have just attempted to recharge? I didn't want to fool with it / risk having it fail again at a bad time. I am not used to a newish battery just losing charge apparently suddenly. ,A mechanic said it was reading 9.6V on it, and he also said the alternator appeared to be putting across proper voltage (14 if I recall?).. Would a formal charging system test help here, or would that only help just rule things out? Would a tender help? The battery seems to die with no prior signs. FYI this time it was a duralast gold from autozone, last time it was an AGM from them. That one lasted 2.5 years. I am starting to wonder if should just get a new battery each year... crazy. I saved the warranty on this so next time I can get a replacement if it is actually bad, but not even sure the current one is officially bad. Not thinking so much on the warranty/costs so much (although it adds up!) but to minimize the hassle of this happening so often.