When you decide to buy a Toyota vehicle, you may ask yourself how long you can expect your battery to last. Excellent question! The answer will depend specifically on which Toyota vehicle you have. So without further ado, let the experts at one of the leading Tustin Toyota dealerships tell you all!
The two types of Toyota batteries.
A conventional battery has a lifespan of three to five years. A typical lead-acid car battery powers an automobile that uses gasoline at least partially. Lead and lead dioxide plates are among the battery's components, suspended in a liquid solution of roughly two-thirds water and one-third sulfuric acid. A typical battery constantly loses charge when a car is at rest, and the alternator recharges the battery when a vehicle is running.
On the contrary, a hybrid battery could last the entire lifetime of your vehicle and will likely last 10 to 15 years. While some hybrid cars, like the Toyota Mirai, have a conventional battery and hydrogen fuel cells, others, like the Prius, have a traditional battery and a second hybrid battery that is either a nickel-metal hydride or lithium-ion battery. The hybrid battery will last much longer than the conventional battery, which will degrade after three to five years.
Tips to make your battery last longer.
There is such a thing as too much power, which can cause your battery to explode, so avoid overcharging it! If possible, it would be best to leave this to the experts unless you want acid all over your house. Make sure to connect the positive cable to the positive terminal before connecting the negative cable to the negative terminal if you decide to charge your battery and your car has a negative ground system. After the battery has been charged, unplug the cables in the reverse direction, starting with the negative.
Turn off your lights - Always double-check that your interior lights and headlights are off before turning off the engine. In most cases, leaving your lights on at night results in a morning with a dead car battery.
Remove corrosion from the battery. Corrosion appears as a white granular buildup near the terminals and cable ends. With a soft-bristled toothbrush and some baking soda, you can remove it yourself and get the connectors functioning once more. After cleaning and before reattaching the cables, apply petroleum jelly.
Park your car in a garage. This is especially important to us living in a hotter climate.
Always remember to schedule routine vehicle maintenance at reputable Tustin car dealerships. Car batteries are finicky and seem to die at the drop of a hat. Watch for warning signs that your battery is about to die. You urgently need a new battery if your car starts slowly, has low or flickering dashboard warning lights, or requires a jump start. If you recently changed your battery and you're still experiencing issues, you might need to have your alternator inspected by a professional at Toyota of Orange.
Need your Toyota's battery replaced?
If your car is due for a battery replacement, schedule an appointment today with Toyota of Orange, one of the leading Tustin Toyota dealerships.
