3 Signs Your Toyota Needs a New Car Battery

The battery has been an essential part of every car since 1918, and it provides the power to crank and start the engine. Their lifespan has improved over the years, but even the best battery will wear out. As your Toyota dealer, we can easily replace a worn or damaged battery when you need it. These are some signs to watch for that you need a new car battery.

Dim Lights

If you see that your headlights are dim when your engine is off, this usually means that the bulbs are failing and will need replacement. Should you also see that the cabin and dash lights are also dim, this is a sign that your battery is starting to fail. When your engine is switched off, the battery provides power for numerous systems, including the lights, alarm, and sensors.

One of the ways to test if the problem is battery-related is to switch on the engine and check the luminescence of the lights. When your engine is running, the alternator takes over from the battery and supplies all of your Toyota’s electrical power. If the lights are brighter when the alternator is supplying power, your battery is failing and will need to be replaced.

Weather Is Too Hot or Cold

Extreme temperatures can play havoc with a car battery. Extreme heat or cold affects a battery’s ability to work effectively and can even shorten its life. In a cold Indiana winter, your battery will use 30% to 60% more power to start your engine. The reason for this is that the chemical reactions in the battery are slower, and the oil thickens and makes the engine more difficult to start.

Hot weather, on the other hand, can lead to battery damage through overheating; if your battery is aging, extreme heat can cause the electrolyte mixture in the battery to expand and damage the casing. Our technicians will check your battery for signs of environmental damage and install a new one if necessary.

Corrosion on the Battery Terminals

Corroded battery terminals are usually caused by a failing battery. A worn battery releases hydrogen gas that mixes with other gases in the engine to form hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide is drawn back to your battery by the electrical charges from the terminals. The gas gradually forms a white, gray, or green acidic salt that will damage the battery terminals.

Corroded terminals can be temporarily cleaned, but the corrosion will return. We advise replacing a corroded battery right away to prevent possible damage to other engine components.

If you suspect a problem with your battery, call our service department today at Ed Martin Toyota. Our Toyota-trained technicians will speedily fix the problem.

Posted in Battery Replacement, Ed Martin Toyota, Ed Martin Toyota Service, Noblesville Toyota Service, Toyota Service | No Comments »