Your car’s battery is one of its most important components. It provides the energy needed to get the engine started, as well as powering up all of the electrical features, from the headlights to the parking assist sensors. But batteries don’t last forever, and you’ll need to get a new car battery fitted every few years, on average. Here are some signs that your Toyota’s battery is on the way out and needs to be replaced.
Old Age
Car batteries typically last for around three to five years. Some can last longer, while others can wear out even earlier. Either way, if you’ve had the same battery for a few years, you may want to think about getting it changed. The longer you wait, the more likely it will be for issues to start occurring, and if you wait too long, the battery might simply die entirely.
Warning Lights
A really easy-to-spot sign that you need a new battery is the appearance of certain warning lights on your dashboard. If you spot any warning lights that ask you to check the battery, or lights that are shaped like a battery, you should head to your local dealer and get the car checked out. Even the “Check Engine” light can be associated with battery problems, so make sure to not ignore any of these lights when they appear.
Slow Starts
The battery provides essential electrical energy to ignite the fuel inside your engine and allow your car to start when you turn the key. When the battery is low on power or broken in some way, it can take longer than normal to build up the necessary engine for this process. This means it might take a few extra seconds for your car to start, or you might have to turn the key a couple of extra times each morning.
Weak or Unreliable Headlights
The headlights are a vital feature in any vehicle, allowing the driver to see in the dark and also making your car visible to others to reduce the risk of night-time accidents. But without sufficient battery power, the headlights won’t be able to work correctly. They might start flickering randomly, for example, or be much weaker than usual. This can be very dangerous to deal with, so it’s wise to seek urgent repairs if your headlights aren’t working.
Other Electrical Issues
The headlights aren’t the only electrical component in your car. There are many other systems and features that need energy from the battery in order to operate, from the heated seats and power windows to the car’s radio, GPS, and charging ports. When the battery is nearing the end of its life, you may notice all kinds of issues with these electrical systems, from unresponsive windows to flickering dashboard lights.
Visible Damage or Changes
It’s recommended for car owners to lift the hood and check on their batteries now and then. A simple visual inspection can tell you a lot about your battery’s health. Unhealthy batteries can appear swollen or misshapen, for example. They might also show signs of corrosion, with ash-like substances appearing around the connectors.
Continuing to drive with a bad battery isn’t a smart idea, as the symptoms will only get worse over time, and you could find yourself in a scary situation if the headlights stop working or the engine refuses to start. Schedule a service at DARCARS Toyota of Frederick today to get battery replacements and other essential auto services. Lastly, if your car does break down, read this helpful blog post today, so you’re prepared and ready to handle the situation safely!
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