Jan 25, 2024

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.