What Is the Average Car Battery Life?

Every driver knows that the battery is one of the most crucial components of a vehicle. Its main purpose is to provide electric current to the starter motor, which starts the engine’s operation.

Aside from starting your engine, your battery essentially supplies electricity to other parts that need it, such as the alternator, electronic control unit (ECU), and anti-theft system. Once the engine is running, the alternator takes over the job of supplying electricity to the rest of the car components like the headlights, wipers, and power windows. Still, the battery is needed to stabilize voltage and protect other components from power surges.

Just like any battery, the one in your car will eventually get depleted of its energy. Given this inevitable fact, how long can we expect a car battery to last?

 

The Average Lifespan of a Car Battery

Some car owners report batteries last them for 2 years only, while others say theirs were good for 5 years. In general, the average car battery life is 3 – 4 years, but how long it lasts depends on many factors. Here are some factors that affect battery life:

1. Temperature

The climate you live in can affect the lifespan of your car battery. Hot temperatures speed up the chemical reactions inside the battery, which can also degrade it.

Freezing temperatures, on the other hand, can slow down the chemical reactions inside the battery. This can cause the battery to lose some of its strength.

2. Driving and Maintenance Habits

Habitually leaving your car idle for extended periods can drain your battery over time. Not driving your car often or frequently going only on short trips does not give the alternator enough time to recharge the battery. Skipping regular maintenance can also leave potential battery problems unchecked.

3. Condition of the Alternator

As the alternator does the heavy lifting for the battery when the car is running, its condition should also be checked regularly. A bad alternator will not sufficiently charge the battery. If it fails, the battery can get drained shortly.

4. Corrosion and Dirt

When corrosion builds up on the battery terminals, resistance increases within the circuit, which means your battery needs to work harder than it should. The buildup of dirt and debris on or around the terminals can also affect battery life. Dirt can act as a conductor, so it will use up energy when it comes in contact with the terminals.

Putting these factors into consideration will help prolong the lifespan of your car’s battery. To determine if your Toyota needs battery replacement, get in touch with the service department at Nashville Toyota North in Madison, TN. You can also use our online service scheduler to book an appointment.

 

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A Guide to Choosing the Best Tires for Your Car

The time will come when you have to change the tires on your car. It could be because they are already worn out, over 6 years old, or the season/occasion calls for it.

How would you know which tires suit your vehicle? Here are the factors to consider when choosing the best tires for your car:

Tire Size

Tire size is most likely the first thing a tire store will ask when you shop for tires. Vehicle manufacturers assign a specific tire size for each of their models, so ideally, use the one specified in your car’s manual. You may also refer to the placard on the driver’s side door. An example of a tire size code would be: “P205/55 R16 91S.” Here are the meanings of the numbers:

• 205 = the width of the tire in millimeters
• 55 = the aspect ratio (height to width)
• 16 = the rim size in inches
• 91 = the load index

Many of the components in your car are matched to the specific tire size designated to it. Sticking to the recommended tire specifications ensures your car performs the way it should.

Speed Rating

Going back to our tire code example, “P205/55 R16 91S”, the last letter (S) signifies the tire’s speed rating. Tire speed ratings go alphabetically, with each letter representing the fastest speed the tire can safely handle. Below are common the common speed ratings found on passenger car tires:

Speed Symbol                    Maximum Speed                Vehicle Type

R                                     108 mph                           Light Trucks

S                                     112 mph                           Sedans and Vans               

T                                      118 mph                           Sedans and Vans

H                                     130 mph                           Sports Sedans/Coupes

V                                     149 mph                           High-Performance Cars

 

You can go with your vehicle’s factory-recommended rating or higher. Take note: other factors like tire condition and pressure levels, as well as the weight of your cargo, will affect the maximum speed you can go with your tires.

Weather Conditions

There are different types of tires to accommodate specific weather. Here are some of them:

• All-Season Tires

As the name suggests, all-season tires can handle most weather and road conditions (except for heavy snow). If you live in a place with tropical climates, you can use all-season tires all year round.

• Summer Tires

Summer tires are recommended for those who live in warmer climates. These tires also offer excellent performance on wet surfaces.

• Winter/Snow Tires

Winter tires provide the best traction on snowy or icy roads compared to other tire types. It is advisable to change your all-season or summer tires to winter tires when temperatures drop below 45°F (7°C).

Tires come in a wide variety of types, sizes, and tread patterns. The best tires for your car are the ones that conform to the specifications of your car’s manufacturer and can handle the weather conditions you are in. If you need new tires or tire servicing for your Toyota, contact our tire department at Nashville Toyota North.

 

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Are you in the market for a new car and want to make sure you get the best out of your purchase? It can be intimidating, but don’t worry; testing driving a car beforehand is an important step to ensure that the car is what you want.

A test drive is similar to trying on an outfit you saw on the rack or online. You can only tell how good it looks or feels once you try it on. Before taking a test drive, you will have scanned several options depending on your needs, such as ratings, reviews, features, resale value, and more. While all these things are essential, it’s important to know how well the car drives and handles to save time and money by ensuring you don’t wind up with something that is not right for you.

Based on your research, a car may seem perfect, but once you are inside and feel it moving on the road, you will know how you truly feel about it. Now that you know this, here are some things to consider before test-driving a car to make an informed buying decision.

What Should You Do Before Your Test Drive?

Before you take a test drive, it’s important to do your research and prepare yourself with the necessary information to make sure you have a successful experience. These include:

Research Cars That Interest You

Researching your options before going for a test drive will give you a sense of direction on the vehicles that interest you. It is impossible to test drive every single car at the dealership, so you want to narrow your options to about three vehicles. Preliminary research ensures that your choices fit well within your needs and budget.

In addition, narrowing down your options allows you to make a proper comparison by driving the potential candidates back-to-back on the same day.

Find Out What You Need To Bring To Your Test Drive

After identifying the vehicles you want to test drive, you can find out what you need to bring. Most dealerships will ask for a driving license to verify you are a legal driver and can be held responsible for any damages to the vehicle while you test drive. You may also need to bring your ‘must-have’ items such as booster seats, drink cups, and frequently carried cargo like strollers and work tools to help you with decision-making.

Schedule A Test Drive

Once you have figured out everything needed to make the test drive a success, You can schedule a test drive at your preferred dealerships.

Nashville Toyota North is a great dealership to visit for a test drive. Our knowledgeable sales staff is ready to help you find the perfect vehicle for your needs, and our service center is committed to providing the highest quality care and service for your vehicle. Visit us today to experience the Nashville Toyota North difference!

What to Do During Your Test Drive

During the test drive, explore and confirm things about the vehicle your research highlighted. Observe the interior and exterior of the car and how it drives and fits into your lifestyle. Consider things like how easy or not it is to get in and out of the vehicle, seat position controls, driving position and visibility, steering wheel controls, acceleration, braking, suspension, etc.

Depending on the terms of your test drive, you can take the car home and see if it fits in your garage or even how it feels driving at night. Also, navigate through different kinds of roads you expect to encounter daily, such as highways, hilly roads, or dirt paths.

What to Do After Your Test Drive

After getting to experience what it feels like driving your potential vehicle, it is time to reflect on whether it is the right choice for you. You can list the good and bad about the cars you have tested and then compare how they stack up. However, take your time to make a decision. Sleep on it if you must.

Test Drive A New Toyota In Nashville Today!

Are you in the market for a new car and have been researching different models? Look no further − Nashville Toyota North has the perfect match!

We have an extensive lineup of both new and pre-owned Toyota vehicles, ranging from sedans to SUVs. We take pride in our selection and invite you to schedule a test drive at our Nashville dealership. Get behind the wheel confidently, knowing our friendly and professional staff will walk with you every step of the way to make the experience smooth and rewarding.

Don’t wait another day − schedule a test drive today at Nashville Toyota North!

Featured Image Source: G-Stock Studio/Shutterstock

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