One of the most common questions we receive at our NJ Toyota service center is how to tell when a car battery needs to be replaced. This is a great question to ask, considering your car won’t start if the battery doesn’t have a good charge. Unfortunately, it’s not a question with a straightforward answer. Our experts, though, are here to help you make sense of things!
When it comes to maintaining your battery, the truth is that there might not always be any telltale warning signs before it dies on you. Your best bet is to take note of when you last changed your battery–there may be a sticker with the install date on your battery, but it’s best to keep track along with your other service records.
If your battery hasn’t been replaced in a few years, it’s a good idea to have it tested professionally. Our experts can let you know if it’s holding a proper charge. If it needs to be replaced, our Toyota service specials can help you save on a new battery at our NJ shop.
Signs You May Need a New Car Battery
Ideally, your car might give you some warning before the battery runs out of juice for good. It’s a good idea to take note of where the gauges on your dashboard typically sit, including your battery gauge, so that you’ll notice if things change. If your battery starts reading lower than usual, it’s a good indicator that it’s on its way out.
You might also notice if your vehicle takes longer to start up, or if the lights seems to be dimmer than usual. This typically points to an electrical problem of some kind, and is often as simple as an old battery. If your vehicle’s lights come on but the engine won’t start, it might be the battery; it takes significantly more juice to fire up your vehicle than it does to power the auxiliary accessories.
If you suspect that your car might have a weak battery or other electrical issue, or if you’d just like to have the system checked out for your peace of mind, don’t hesitate to contact Toyota of Morristown online or to give us a call at (973) 540-1111. We’re here to help!