Blog / Automotive Tips and Tricks

Getting a New Car Battery for Your Toyota

battery

Battery issues can come on suddenly or build up over time. If jump-starting your car is a daily occurrence, then you may need to get a new car battery from your Toyota dealership. 

Getting a New Car Battery for Your Toyota

Before a mechanic recommends a new battery, a battery health check will be performed. This simple test will assess how much charge a battery can hold and is an essential part of diagnosing your battery issue. Sometimes, the health check can reveal that your alternator is the root cause of your battery issues.

If your car battery is the problem, then a replacement can easily be completed on the same day. Replacing a car battery involves disconnecting the old battery, assessing the condition of the connecting cables, inserting a new battery, and cleaning battery terminals. Even if you have a hybrid battery, the basic process is the same. 

When Do You Need to Replace Your Battery at Your Toyota Dealership?

The average life expectancy for a car battery is about three or four years. Your habits as a driver, such as running the radio or AC when the engine is off, can affect how long your battery will last. Sometimes, factors such as the weather can impact how long your battery lasts, since very hot and very cold temperatures can hamper battery performance. Some signs you may need to replace a battery include:

Slow Engine

If your engine is slow to start, then your battery could be failing. Your car battery is responsible for providing power to the starter, so a slow or stubborn ignition is usually related to a battery with a low charge. Your alternator can also cause a sluggish engine. 

Dim Headlights

Dim headlights are usually caused by a bad battery or a poor connection between the electrical wiring and the battery. Sometimes, your headlights may appear dim while your vehicle is idling and then brighten when you are driving. You may also notice that some of your headlight features, such as high beams, aren't as bright as usual.

Flickering Dashboard

Flickering dashboard lights can also be a sign of a bad battery. Your gauge cluster, radio, clock, and dashboard indicator lights are all powered by your battery, so if any of these components are flickering, then it might be time to replace your battery.

Visible Corrosion

You might want to take a look under the hood if you notice signs of electrical issues. If you see visible corrosion, such as a chalky white or blue powder on your battery, then you need to schedule service. Excess corrosion can be caused by undercharging, battery leaks, and other issues. 

Signs such as a slow engine or faulty headlights are often related to a bad battery. If you need to replace your battery, you can book a service appointment at Royal Moore Toyota today. 

Posted in:

Related Posts

4 Services Offered at Your Toyota Dealer

An oil change, brake service, a wheel alignment, and differential service are just four of the many essential kinds of Toyota service you'll find at your Toyota dealer. Stopping by for these services reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns and major inconveniences. Let's look at a few of the services the dealer provides and see how frequently you need them. 4 Types of Toyota Service Offered at Your Toyota Dealer 1. Oil Change Fresh motor oil keeps your car's engine running smoothly. It lubricates all the parts of your engine, helping keep it cool. It also helps prevent premature wear and tear on the engine's parts. That's why staying on top of your oil changes is essential. Most vehicles need an oil change approximately every six months. When going by miles, you typically need to stop in for an oil change after every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. 2. Brake Service Your brakes need service to stay in good condition. A brake fluid exchange is one type of brake service you need. This is where the technicians at the dealership drain your old brake fluid and replace it with fresh fluid. Many cars need this service every two years, but how often different models need it can vary considerably. Check your owner's manual to see what's recommended for your model. Brake pad replacements are another kind of brake service you need. How often the brake pads need to be replaced varies, too, depending on your driving habits. You could need new ones as often as every 25,000 miles or as infrequently as every 70,000 miles. Listen out for squealing noises when you brake, as that's a sign your old brake pads have worn down and need to be replaced. more 3. Wheel Alignment A wheel alignment is a service where your vehicle's suspension is adjusted to straighten out your wheels. It's performed because your wheels can tilt and turn out of alignment with your car's centerline over time, leading to uneven tire tread wear, car handling problems, and other issues. You need to get your car inspected regularly to make sure the wheels are still aligned. If they're not, then it's time for an alignment. 4. Differential Service Your differentials need to be inspected regularly to make sure they're in peak condition, as they're responsible for letting your vehicle's wheels turn at different speeds. The differential fluid also needs to be changed regularly. Many cars need this fluid changed every 50,000 miles, but your owner's manual will tell you how often your Toyota model needs this service done. Come by Royal Moore Toyota in Hillsboro, OR for all the essential services your Toyota needs. We have comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, TV, coffee, and water for you to enjoy while you wait for your vehicle.

warranty

Navigating Your Toyota's Warranty: What's Covered and What's Not

Every new Toyota is automatically covered by a comprehensive New Vehicle Limited Warranty. This warranty protects you in the unlikely event of any manufacturing-related issue with your vehicle. As your Toyota dealer, we want to tell you more about the protection you receive with your Toyota warranty. From Your Toyota Dealer: Navigating Your Toyota Warranty Basic Warranty This warranty applies to every system or component in your vehicle, with two exceptions. Certain systems are not covered as they have enhanced coverage detailed below. The other exception is this warranty doesn't cover situations like damage caused by the addition of unauthorized parts, general wear and tear, or unauthorized alternations. These exceptions are explained in your warranty handbook. Coverage applies for the first three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. AC recharge, wheel alignment, and wheel balancing are covered by this warranty, but for one year or 12,000 miles. If a repair or replacement is necessary, the work will be performed by Toyota-trained technicians using Toyota-approved replacement parts. more Powertrain Warranty Your engine, transmission, transaxle, and FWD or RWD drivetrains are, arguably, your vehicle's most important systems. They provide the power and the ability to move our Toyota. All the components protected by this warranty are listed in your warranty handbook. Coverage applies for five years or 60,000 miles. Restraint Systems Warranty The seatbelts and seatbelt system and the airbags and their system are protected for five years or 60,000 miles. Corrosion Perforation Warranty Rust and corrosion are dangerous to any unprotected metal, as they can rapidly eat through metal and destroy it. Your Toyota is protected against this form of damage by specialized applications added to the metal during the construction process. These applications don't require reapplication unless the metal is damaged in an accident. If corrosion appears despite the corrosion protection and perforates any metal panel, the affected panel will be replaced at no charge. Perforation is defined as corrosion that forms a hole, penetrating the metal from one side to the other. This warranty applies for five years and unlimited mileage. Federal Emissions Control Warranty Emissions are dangerous chemicals like carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide produced as byproducts of combustion. These emissions are toxic and a major contributor to airborne pollution. Your Toyota has a very efficient emissions control system that converts almost all these chemicals into harmless ones utilizing a combination of chemical reactions, extreme heat, and immense pressure. Most emissions control components are protected for two years or 24,000 miles. Certain components like the engine control unit and catalytic converter have enhanced protection that applies for eight years or 80,000 miles. If you'd like to know more about your warranty, contact us today at Royal Moore Toyota in Hillsboro, OR.

4 Services Offered at Your Toyota Dealer

An oil change, brake service, a wheel alignment, and differential service are just four of the many essential kinds of Toyota service you'll find at your Toyota dealer. Stopping by for these services reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns and major inconveniences. Let's look at a few of the services the dealer provides and see how frequently you need them. 4 Types of Toyota Service Offered at Your Toyota Dealer 1. Oil Change Fresh motor oil keeps your car's engine running smoothly. It lubricates all the parts of your engine, helping keep it cool. It also helps prevent premature wear and tear on the engine's parts. That's why staying on top of your oil changes is essential. Most vehicles need an oil change approximately every six months. When going by miles, you typically need to stop in for an oil change after every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. 2. Brake Service Your brakes need service to stay in good condition. A brake fluid exchange is one type of brake service you need. This is where the technicians at the dealership drain your old brake fluid and replace it with fresh fluid. Many cars need this service every two years, but how often different models need it can vary considerably. Check your owner's manual to see what's recommended for your model. Brake pad replacements are another kind of brake service you need. How often the brake pads need to be replaced varies, too, depending on your driving habits. You could need new ones as often as every 25,000 miles or as infrequently as every 70,000 miles. Listen out for squealing noises when you brake, as that's a sign your old brake pads have worn down and need to be replaced. 3. Wheel Alignment A wheel alignment is a service where your vehicle's suspension is adjusted to straighten out your wheels. It's performed because your wheels can tilt and turn out of alignment with your car's centerline over time, leading to uneven tire tread wear, car handling problems, and other issues. You need to get your car inspected regularly to make sure the wheels are still aligned. If they're not, then it's time for an alignment. 4. Differential Service Your differentials need to be inspected regularly to make sure they're in peak condition, as they're responsible for letting your vehicle's wheels turn at different speeds. The differential fluid also needs to be changed regularly. Many cars need this fluid changed every 50,000 miles, but your owner's manual will tell you how often your Toyota model needs this service done. Come by Royal Moore Toyota in Hillsboro, OR for all the essential services your Toyota needs. We have comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, TV, coffee, and water for you to enjoy while you wait for your vehicle.