Battery Basics: When It’s Time For a Service Visit?

Whether your Toyota has a standard, hybrid, or all-electric powertrain, the 12-volt battery is a vital component. This silent powerhouse starts your car and runs many of the electronics and safety systems. Like any battery, it wears down over time.

Knowing when it’s time to replace your battery can prevent unexpected issues like being unable to start your car when you need to get to work. This simple guide from the expert service team at Bill Penney Toyota near Decatur and Athens will help you understand the warning signs, common causes of battery failure, and how to stay ahead of unexpected problems.

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How Do You Know When It’s Time for a Battery Replacement?

Your car’s battery will give you signs when it’s time for service or a replacement. If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to schedule a battery-check appointment at Bill Penney Toyota in Huntsville, AL:

• Your engine takes longer to turn over when the battery wears out.
• The headlights, dash lights, and interior lighting might look dim, especially when starting the car.
• You’ll hear a clicking noise if the battery isn’t sending enough energy to the starter.
• If you notice your car’s internal accessories work more slowly than usual, you might need a new battery.
• Your vehicle’s dashboard battery warning light might illuminate.
• If your battery swells, it’s time for a battery check-up.
• Batteries with corrosion build-up around the terminals need to be serviced.

Neglecting battery service can create more costly problems. When you schedule any service visit at Bill Penney Toyota, our service team performs a multi-point inspection, so they can alert you to issues with your battery before they arise. With battery care, it’s better to be proactive rather than wait until your battery no longer starts your car.

What Does a Car Battery Do?

When car batteries are functioning properly, they do plenty of important tasks. They store electrical energy, then send it to the starter and ignition system. If your battery power is low, your car could have trouble starting.

Your car’s battery also powers the lights, infotainment systems, and vehicle computer when your vehicle isn’t running. If you’ve ever sat in your car with the engine off and listened to the radio, your car battery is powering those electronics. Without a reliable battery, your car’s electronic components will not function correctly.

How Long Does a Typical Car Battery Last?

Most car batteries work for three to five years. The actual time depends on your driving habits, local weather, and maintenance practices. Your battery will wear out faster if:

• You drive in excessive heat
• You drive short trips
• You keep your car in accessories mode for long periods

Once your battery reaches the three-year anniversary, it’s a good idea to start monitoring it - especially when you bring your car to Bill Penney Toyota for oil changes and other routine maintenance.

Why Do Car Batteries Wear Out?

Sometimes batteries will fail unexpectedly. They occasionally have issues that are out of the driver’s control, even if the car gets all of its routine maintenance. Issues that cause batteries to fail include:

• Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold
• Frequent short trips don’t give the alternator time to recharge the battery
• Electronics can drain batteries if they are on too long in accessory mode
• Loose or corroded connections can weaken a battery
• A faulty charging system can wear out a battery

When you know what factors can harm a battery, you’ll be able to better monitor the one in your vehicle.

What is the Best Way to Test a Battery?

It is possible to test the battery at home, but the best way to test a battery is at a service center like the one at Bill Penney Toyota in Huntsville, AL. Our certified technicians have the tools and experience to test your battery and diagnose its needs.

If you’re testing your battery, you’ll need a multimeter. A healthy battery will read 12.6 volts when the engine is off.

At our dealership service center, our professional battery test measures four factors:

• Cold-cranking amps (how well your battery starts the car)
• State of charge
• State of health
• Charging system performance.

Our technicians also inspect the connections to look for corrosion before determining if your battery needs to be replaced.

What Can You Do to Extend the Life of Your Car Battery?

Fortunately, drivers can take steps to extend the lives of their car batteries. To get a long life from your battery:

• Drive your vehicle regularly
• Avoid leaving the lights and accessories on
• Keep the terminals clean and connections secure
• Schedule an annual electrical system check
• Park in shaded or covered areas to keep your car cool
• Drive your vehicle on longer trips to give the alternator time to work

When Is It Time to Replace Your Car’s Battery? Battery replacement should be proactive. It’s better to replace it before it dies, so you don’t end up stranded and in need of a tow. If your car’s battery is five years or older and has any of these symptoms, it’s probably time to replace your battery:

• The case is damaged or leaking
• It fails a diagnostic test
• Your vehicle struggled to start
• There is excessive corrosion near the connections

Along with the possibility of being stranded, a dead or damaged battery can cause other costly problems under the hood. For example, excessive battery corrosion can cause acid leaks that can corrode nearby components and wiring. Batteries with loose or broken terminals can cause a short circuit, which could cause the battery to explode. A failing battery can damage the alternator, which costs much more than replacing the battery.

Schedule Your Battery Services at Bill Penney Toyota in Huntsville, AL

The service team at Bill Penney Toyota works hard to make car care convenient and stress-free for our customers near Huntsville, Decatur, and Athens. You can schedule your appointment with our online scheduling tool. While you’re on our website, check out our newest service specials to save money on your next car care appointment. Our service technicians are experts with Toyota models, and they can also inspect and service batteries in other makes and models.