Getting a New Car Battery for Your Toyota

Car Battery Basics

A car battery provides the electrical current your Toyota needs to start the engine. It also powers the car’s electronics when the engine isn’t running. Typically, a car battery lasts between 3 to 5 years, but this can vary based on your climate and driving habits. It’s a good practice to have your battery checked regularly once it hits the three-year mark.

Signs You May Need a New Car Battery

Before a battery fails, it often shows some warning signs. Your check engine light might flicker on, and some modern Toyotas also have a battery light on the dashboard that signals when there’s a battery or charging system issue. Here are some other signs that it’s time to consider a replacement.

Slow Engine Crank

When your car’s battery is failing, you might notice that the engine turns over more slowly than usual when you try to start it.

Trouble Starting

If you’re having trouble getting your car to start, especially on cold mornings, it could mean your battery is on its way out.

Swollen Battery Case

A battery case can swell due to excessive heat exposure. This means your battery isn’t working normally and can actually be a hazard, so if your case is swollen, the battery should be replaced immediately.

Corrosion on the Battery Terminals

If you see a white, powdery substance on your battery, that’s corrosion. It can be a sign that your battery is getting too old and damaged and is not working properly.

Frequent Jump Starts

Have you needed to jump-start your car frequently? That’s a clear sign that your battery is failing and is unable to hold a charge.

Get a New Battery at Your Toyota Dealer

At the dealership, you’ll find batteries specifically designed for your vehicle model. Dealerships can also handle the installation and ensure that everything is working correctly with your car’s computer system, making a trip to the dealer the best choice when it’s time to replace your battery.

Maintaining Your New Battery

After installing your new battery, keep it in tip-top shape with simple maintenance. Keep the terminals clean to avoid corrosion, and if you don’t drive your Toyota often, consider a battery maintainer to keep the battery fully charged.

Getting a new battery for your Toyota can help it run smoothly and correctly for a long time to come, providing you with the reliable performance you’ve come to expect. Need help with your car battery? Visit Coughlin Toyota today!

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