ONLY at Keith Pierson Toyota as low as 0% 36 months on Camry, Corolla and RAV4.
A battery provides the power needed to start your car. Therefore, it’s essential to have one that’s in good condition. Auto batteries have a lifespan of about three to five years, so everyone is likely to experience a failing battery at some point. Luckily, there are some warning signs you can look out for to tell if a battery needs replacing.
Signs That Your Battery Needs Replacing
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One of the first indicators of a weak battery is an engine that takes some time to start. Under normal conditions, the battery provides power to start your engine as soon as you turn the ignition or press the push-button start. But when a battery starts to deteriorate, it struggles to hold enough charge, causing your starter to take a few seconds to get the engine going.
Another warning sign is if your headlights dim significantly when you start your car before lighting up as normal when the engine starts. The reason for this could be that your battery isn’t retaining enough charge to power your vehicle’s accessories.
You can also perform a visual inspection of your battery to check its health. Batteries in poor condition may develop a film on top or corrosion on its ports. Corrosion typically appears as a white or yellow substance, and occurs because the acid in the battery is escaping. You can wash off the corrosion using a battery brush temporarily, but it is still a good idea to get your battery checked out to make sure it’s still ok.
If your battery is dying, you may here a clicking sound when you try to start your car. This usually suggests that your battery has lost all its charge and can no longer start your engine. While it may be possible for you to jump start your car in an emergency, you should immediately get your battery changed to avoid future problems.
Keep in mind that batteries don’t perform well if your vehicle has been sitting unused for a long period of time. For example, if you haven’t driven your car in a month and it takes a few seconds to start up, this may not necessarily mean that your battery is dying.
How to Test a Battery
One of the simplest ways to test your battery is to use a multimeter. First, check that your multimeter is set between 15 and 20 volts. Then, place the negative and positive connectors on the corresponding ports on your battery. Check the multimeter’s screen to get the reading.
If the reading is below 12.5 volts, you should probably charge your battery. Any reading below 12 volts is an indication that your battery is very weak and that it may be time for a replacement.
If you don’t have a multimeter, you can test your battery by switching on your headlights without turning on the Engine. Leave your headlights on for 15 minutes, then try to start your car. If your engine won’t start, this shows that your battery can’t retain a charge and requires replacement.
Replacing Your Battery
While you may be concerned about the cost of replacing your battery, the good news is that you can get a high quality battery for a modest price. The exact cost will vary depending on the requirements of your vehicle, but most batteries are generally priced between $50 and $150. Premium batteries can cost significantly more but are not required for most vehicles.
The main thing to keep in mind when choosing a new battery is to check the specifications of your old one to ensure that you purchase an appropriate battery for your car. Firstly, check your owner’s manual to find out the group size of your battery. This is an important piece of information because it will make sure that you buy a battery that fits snugly into the battery tray.
Secondly, consult your owner’s manual to determine the recommended reserve capacity for your battery. The reserve capacity refers to the amount of time your battery can hold enough charge to power your vehicle. The recommended reserve capacity varies by vehicle manufacturer.
The final thing to check about a battery is its cold cranking amps rating, which tells you how able a battery is to start your car in cold weather. If you choose a battery with a cold cranking amps rating that’s too low for your car, you may experience problems with it later on.
Battery Services at Keith Pierson Toyota
All of this information may sound a little complicated, so why not let the auto experts at Keith Pierson Toyota take care of your battery needs? Our professionally-trained auto technicians use state-of-the-art technology to test your battery and other auto components to identify problems, recommend repairs, and carry out maintenance.
When it comes to installing a replacement battery, we can easily dispose of your old battery safely and securely. Then, we’ll be able to recommend an appropriate replacement based on the type of vehicle you drive. Since we’re a Toyota-certified dealer, we have particular expertise when it comes to supplying new batteries and other parts for all vehicles in Toyota’s extensive car and SUV lineup.
While you’re at our service center having your battery needs attended to, why not let our expert technicians offer you a general multi-point inspection to detect other potential problems? We’re well practiced in providing high quality Toyota oil changes, brake tests, brake pad replacements, and engine repairs, among other services. We also have a well-stocked supply of genuine Toyota parts so that any repairs done to your vehicle will include components that perform to the highest standard.
If you’d like to find out more about our Toyota service center in Jacksonville, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team. We’re proud to serve Florida customers like you, whether it’s for regular maintenance, purchasing a new vehicle, or having your battery replaced. Our service center is open seven days a week, meaning we’re always here to fit into your busy schedule. Drop by between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, or 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
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