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You never know where it might happen: in your garage at home, the grocery store's parking lot, or your cramped parking spot at work. If you're lucky, someone will be able to help you jump it, but that isn't always going to be the case. A dead car battery is nothing short of a hassle, and not all can be revived with another battery and set of jumper cables. We've all been there at some point—that's why, here at Haley Toyota of Richmond, we carry Toyota TrueStart batteries.
What exactly are Toyota TrueStart batteries, and why are they better than others? Well, the Toyota TrueStart battery is an OEM part manufactured by Toyota for Toyota models. Their engineers have already approved these car batteries—batteries known for having longer battery lifespans than many non-Toyota batteries—and who knows your Toyota better than a Toyota engineer?
That's why, as a trusted Toyota dealer, we sell the Toyota TrueStart battery at Haley Toyota of Richmond. If your headlights look too dim or your car has become hard to start, you might want to come in and purchase one of these batteries from our parts center. You can even have one of our service technicians put it in for you when you schedule vehicle service with our on-site service center. We don't want you to sweat being stuck without a working battery; we will do our best to get you back on the road as quickly as possible.
Your car needs a battery to run; you won't be going anywhere without a functioning battery. You can buy a cheap battery to get you by, sure, but you could end up spending more money in the long run than you would if you spent a little more money on a higher-quality battery like the Toyota TrueStart. The truth is that cheap, low-quality batteries have PVC separators between their lead plates; these lead plates are not durable enough to withstand the wear and tear that car engines put them through and degrade over time. Higher-quality batteries have better materials in their construction and will thus not degrade as quickly.
Add to that the fact that higher-quality batteries have longer warranty terms. Manufacturers have more confidence in their products when they know they're made from top-notch materials, so they give them longer warranty terms. These lengthier terms will give you peace of mind as you go about your business.
One thing you might not be aware of is that a lot of standard batteries eventually end up leaking acid; this can cause some intense and expensive damage to other important components under the hood. Higher-quality batteries have more safeguards in place to protect your car's mechanical parts from being damaged should the battery ever start leaking acid. One such safeguard is ventilation, which prevents too much pressure from accumulating and overheating the battery—thus, your car's battery can have a much longer lifespan.
Extreme weather conditions can take their toll on your car's battery. Low-grade batteries are not built to withstand harsh weather. Humidity, cold, and extended use can all reduce the life of your battery; living anywhere that you experience these extremes calls for a higher-quality battery since they stand up better against the elements than their cheaper counterparts.
A higher-quality battery will have a better reserve capacity. How long will the electrical components operate? Well, the better the reserve capacity, the longer the battery's electrical elements will operate without a charging system. The more minutes the battery will keep things going without the charging system, the higher the battery's quality.
If you do not drive your vehicle for an extended period of time, your car's battery might experience sulfation when in a low- or no-charge state. Lower-quality batteries are more prone to sulfation than higher-quality batteries like the Toyota TrueStart battery. If your current Toyota vehicle is not fitted with a TrueStart but will be sitting in a no-charge state for an extended period, you might want to think about upgrading to a TrueStart battery to hold off sulfation before your vehicle begins its hiatus.
Other common problems for low-end car batteries include cells short-circuiting due to failure of the separator between the positive and negative plates or due to shed plate materials accumulating under the plates. Positive and negative terminals might experience damage or corrosion, which can lead to broken internal connections. Also, vibration and corrosion can cause broken plates, and low electrolyte levels and battery case damage can happen over time if your battery is cheap.
Toyota outfits the TrueStart battery with lengthy warranty terms. No matter your vehicle's mileage or the remainder of your New Vehicle Limited Warranty, your TrueStart battery's warranty gives you 24 months to have it exchanged for free following the date of purchase. After that, the warranty is covered on a prorated basis for up to 84 months. Taxes, installation labor, and towing are not included in the proration.
The warranty coverage includes all of the battery's components; these are protected from manufacturer defects or other issues that could cause a perfectly good battery to fail. Since the Toyota TrueStart battery is made with a proprietary lead alloy instead of cheap lead, like what you get on lower-quality batteries, there is less chance that you will need to replace your battery. However, should something go wrong, you are covered for up to seven years with Toyota's generous warranty coverage.
Drivers often wonder about their batteries and what causes replacements to be necessary. Here are a few frequently asked questions about car batteries and the answers that all drivers should know...
A: The clearest sign that your battery needs replacement is that the warning light on the dash has come on and lingers. However, your battery could be degrading without the warning sign lighting on your dashboard. Have a service technician check your battery at each oil change to ensure it is in good condition. Generally speaking, if your car is struggling to start, has dim or flickering headlights, has electrical malfunctions, or has noticeable corrosion or fluid leaks, a new car battery could be in order.
A: The average lifespan of a basic automotive battery is somewhere between three and five years. For higher-quality car batteries, you can expect them to work for five, six, or possibly even seven years. Key factors can cause batteries to have shorter than expected lifespans, especially if you leave your vehicle sitting for long periods of time without running it or if you live in an incredibly hot climate. Even great batteries might not last as long in those conditions as they otherwise would.
A: Many people ask if a dead battery can be recovered. In some cases, yes, a car's battery can be successfully recharged and never have another issue for months or even years. Just remember that jumper cables and packs are not battery chargers; using an actual battery charger to recharge your car's battery is a much better way to go about it. Also, your car's alternator maintains your battery when its charge is full or nearly full; it will not recharge a discharged battery. The best thing you can do for a deeply discharged automotive battery is to fully recharge it with a battery charger. That being said, if the charge has fallen below the minimum operating voltage, trying to recharge the battery will be in vain. Ensure you measure the battery's voltage before using a charger.
A: The age of your car's battery is the biggest telltale sign that a replacement battery will be needed in the near future. Every battery has a finite lifespan; check the date on your current battery against how long it is good for. Hotter climates can accelerate the rate of degradation. Also, if you mainly drive your car in short spurts, the battery is not getting the chance to fully recharge.
A: The cost of a Toyota TrueStart battery will vary depending on the battery itself. On average, these batteries sell for $154. This is slightly more expensive than your run-of-the-mill battery, but it has better-quality materials built into it and has more generous warranty coverage.
Your car's battery should ideally work for somewhere around five years. Toyota TrueStart batteries can last longer than that, which is why they are highly recommended for Toyota owners. These genuine OEM batteries come with generous warranty terms, and their durable build means that you get more peace of mind while going about your day.
Here at Haley Toyota of Richmond, we will test and replace your car's battery for you. If you are experiencing any signs of a weak car battery, bring your vehicle to our service center to test its voltage; if the voltage is rather low, we can help you pick the right battery replacement for your vehicle and install it for you. You can easily schedule your battery service online, where you can also check out all of our service specials.
Our goal is to ensure you're taken care of when driving one of our models. Should something happen and your current battery no longer works as it should, give us a call or schedule an appointment online to visit our service center. Our certified Toyota technicians know these vehicles inside and out; they can get the right Toyota TrueStart battery fitted into your vehicle—that way, you can return to whatever you need to do without all the stress that comes with a bad battery.
