Electrical components are an important part of car function. Your battery, in particular, plays a vital role in your vehicle’s electrical system since it supplies power to the engine. Besides that basic fact, just how much do you know about your car’s battery? Moreover, how many of the facts that you think you know are actually myths? Trusted Auto Pros is here to help you separate the two.
#1 The alternator and battery have the same job. (Myth)
When a car doesn’t start, it’s usually caused by one of three things: the starter, the alternator, or the battery. Vehicle batteries and alternators are both parts of the charging system. The battery sends an electrical charge through the starting system, causing the gears to turn. As you drive, the alternator sends energy back to the battery as a way to keep it charged.
Although they don’t do the exact same thing, the alternator and battery work together to keep your vehicle moving along smoothly.
#2 Your car battery should be checked once a year. (Myth)
This is another myth. Although certain things like your car’s air cabin filter should be checked annually, you should have your battery looked at every six months.
If you’re a ‘DIY’ kind of person, you can follow these steps and check your vehicle’s battery yourself:
Locate the battery. In most cars, the battery can be found underneath the hood. Some vehicles have batteries that are located in the trunk or back seat. Look at your manual if you aren’t sure where to find it.
Inspect the battery for corrosion. Greenish-yellow build-up that is crusty and covering the battery cables and terminals should be pinpointed and cleaned off using a brush and cleaner.
Tighten any loose cables.
Check the battery with both a voltmeter and a battery tester. The voltmeter will let you know how much electricity your vehicle’s battery is putting out. The tester is created to check vehicle batteries for reserve capacity.
If you don’t have access to the devices listed in step four, you can take your vehicle to a reputable service department.
#3 A car battery should last around five years. (Fact)
How long your car battery should last will depend on a couple of things: where you live and how well you take care of it. Some manufacturers recommend changing out vehicle batteries every four years. Others say that it is okay to wait six years.
Extremely hot environments will wear the battery faster.
If you live in a cold environment, you’ll have a little more time. Following the ‘check steps’ listed above and changing your battery out every five years will help prevent a battery-induced breakdown and help you avoid more costly repairs.
Other signs it might be time to switch out your car’s battery:
Trouble starting your vehicle
A swollen/cracked case
A low battery light that is illuminated
Dim lights
A smell that is similar to ‘rotten eggs’
#4 Vehicle Batteries in storage will self-discharge. (Fact)
If you are going to store a battery, a cool and dry location is ideal. Also, it would help if you considered investing in a battery maintainer.
These devices are meant to monitor a vehicle’s battery and keep it at full potential while it is being stored. This is important since dropping below 12.4 volts results in damage to a battery. At the very least, you should disconnect the battery from the vehicle to prevent discharging during the storage time.
#5 There is no upkeep for “maintenance free” vehicle batteries. (Myth)
Although the name might suggest that they are self-sufficient, certain care is still required for so-called “maintenance free batteries.”
You will still need to clean the terminals of corrosion and do a semi-annual check as discussed earlier.
Only a few names in the motoring world can create both excitement and nostalgia. The Toyota Supra does just that. With all the anticipation and fanfare, does the 2020 Toyota Supra live up to all of it?
Every year motorists around the country are required to get their vehicles inspected, which includes periodic safety inspections of things like brakes. Here in Wyoming vehicle owners are NOT required to obtain state brake inspections, so it’s important to check your brakes regularly.
A good rule of thumb is to get the brakes inspected every year.
In the scheme of things brakes almost go unnoticed, until you really need them and play a significant role in bringing your vehicle to a halt.
During your day to day commutes, several tell-tale signs warn you that you may need to get your brakes checked.
Here are the Seven Signs You May Need To Get Your Vehicle’s Brakes Checked.
Dashboard Brake Warning Light Displays
Hear Weird Noises Coming From The Brake
The Vehicle Takes Longer To Stop Than Normal
The Vehicle Swerves Or Weaves When Braking
Brake Pedal Feels Mushy Or Different When Braking
The Vehicle Vibrates When Slowing Down
Brake Fluid Is Low Or Drains Quickly
Brake warning lights
Dashboard Brake Warning Light Displays
Brake warning lights are the easiest and most efficient way to get information about your brakes. Once the vehicle onboard diagnostic system notices something isn’t right, a warning brake light will display.
If a brake warning light does illuminate, refer to your owners manual for instructions on what to do. When a brake issue occurs, you may need to bring the vehicle to see a qualified mechanic.
Note: When in doubt – Get a professional to look over your brakes by going to your dealership or a brake specialist.
Unusual Noises
When your vehicle starts to make unusual noises while driving it is a clear sign that your car needs an inspection.
Worn out brakes will often make shutter noises or squeals when the brakes are applied. Usually, these noises have to do with brake pads hitting the rotors at irregular intervals.
Continuing to drive with bad brakes can cause severe damage to the rotors as well as create safety issues.
When you hear a high pitch noise, get your brakes checked right away to avoid severe damage.
Watch out for changes in weather and braking distances.
Vehicle Takes A Long Time to Stop
In cases where your car takes longer than usual to stop, you may need to consider getting your brakes checked by a professional.
When pressing down on your brakes, if it takes longer than average to stop or come to an immediate halt, you may have a brake problem.
Be aware that changing temperatures and precipitation can significantly affect stopping distance.
Vehicle Swerves or Weaves
Brakes are supposed to bring a car to a halt in a straight line rather than making the car weave or swerve to one side. If you experience a vehicle swerving or weaving when trying to stop, pull over to a safe area and call for a tow truck.
In most cases, the brakes are being applied unevenly to one side of the vehicle or wheel. It’s a sure sign you need to get your brakes serviced right away.
Brake Pedal feels Mushy or different when braking
If you notice your brake pedal feels a little off, it might not be your imagination. Over time, like any other vehicle part, brakes get worn and at some point need to be replaced.
Changes in brake pressure is usually a sign that the brake pads might be wearing out.
As always, when in doubt, get the brakes checked.
Vibrations
If you experience vibrations at any point when applying brakes, you need to get your brakes inspected.
Frequently vibrations are caused by disc/rotor or drum surface issues. A simple check by a competent mechanic should be able to determine the problem.
Don’t forget to check your brake fluids.
Check your Brake Fluids
A simple yet clear sign of brake issues is leaking or low brake fluid. If you find that there are wet or moist spots left by your car, you may have a fluid leak. Brake fluid tends to look greyish or clear in color and has an oily feel to it, sort of like cooking oil.
One easy method to test for a leak is to place cardboard under the engine overnight and in the morning check for any oily substances. If there is, it could be an oil leak or brake fluid. In any case, it would be wise to get the vehicle inspected.
Besides all the above getting your brakes replaced on time and according to schedule maintenance is the best way to avoid potential brake issues down the road.
Truck payload and towing capacity—you’ve probably heard these two phrases at some point. Maybe an advertisement for a new Ford Super Duty F-250? Or when a salesman told you the towing capacity of a truck. These two concepts are so common that understandably, many drivers think they mean the same thing. In reality, they’re quite different. Using them interchangeably could even be costly, leading to damage to your truck.
Read on to get a better understanding of these truck terms and why it is necessary that you know the difference between the two.
Truck Payload and Towing Capacity Defined
Understanding towing capacity isn’t tricky. The meaning of the 2 phrases can be drawn from looking a little deeper at the two individual words.
Maxing out a Truck’s Payload. Something you shouldn’t do.
Truck Payload: Truck payload is all about carrying. Not carrying behind, but carrying inside. Payload refers to the weight of all the extra stuff you might pile into your vehicle or its bed. Whether it’s 500 lbs. of junk you’ve thrown in the backs or the weight of your buddy in the passenger’s seat, if it is inside and not behind the vehicle, we are talking about “Truck Payload”.
Towing Capacity: (pulling something behind) + capacity (max amount) = how much weight a truck can safely pull behind it.
Don’t forget, a trailer hitch has its own towing capacity (Hitch Class). This hitch is a triple ball mount with a hook. Photo: L Baures
Note: Pulling (behind) is the keyword with this definition.
What’s With the Mix-Up
The reason so many of us confuse the terms truck payload and truck towing capacity is that they are based on the same two things: the truck’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), suspension, and how durable its frame is.
Also, the word carrying can make things confusing. Technically, when you are towing a load behind your truck, you are ‘carrying’ it. This is why it is important to remember that it is what is inside, not following, that payload refers to. Imagine a mother carrying her child in her arms versus pulling him behind her in a wagon. This is the difference between payload and towing.
Payload vs. Towing: Real Numbers
Going back to the Ford Super Duty mentioned above. Can you guess the towing capacity of this truck? 21,000 pounds. But what about the truck payload? This number comes in at just 3,550 pounds. Huge difference, right?
Payload vs. Towing makes sense when we go back to the “carry inside” versus “pull” explanation. A mother might have trouble carrying a 30-pound toddler in her arms for a long distance, but pulling him in a wagon wouldn’t be that difficult.
What Does It Matter?
Now that you know the difference, you might be asking, what does it matter? For starters, ignoring either the towing or payload capacity is one of the worst mistakes you can make. Both towing capacities and truck payload limits are set by manufacturers for a specific reason. Staying under the limit stops you from doing serious damage to your vehicle. If you don’t know these limits, how can you prevent these costly mistakes?
Finding your vehicle’s towing capacity is as simple as knowing the VIN. Payload limits can be calculated using simple math. You start with your vehicle’s gross weight rating. Then subtract the curb weight (how much it weighs on its own with nothing extra added). Check out the formula below:
Voila! Now you know the difference between towing capacity and payload. As well as how much you can carry behind your truck and in its bed. Remember, your vehicle has these limits for a reason, so don’t exceed them.
Toyota Service Connect provides up-to-date vehicle information, such as status and alerts, maintenance reminders and more. It’s available on select Toyota models.
Is your vehicle equipped with Toyota Service Connect?
To qualify for Toyota Service Connect, you need to own a Toyota and own a model that is equipt with the service. To find out if your vehicle is Service Connect capable, Toyota created a Service Connect Vehicle Identification Number Lookup (VIN lookup).
How Do I Find My Toyota VIN?
A vehicles VIN is located on various cards and on the vehicle itself.
Insurance Card – You can find your VIN on the insurance identification card issued by your insurance company.
Vehicle Registration Card – You can find your VIN on the vehicle registration card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Top Of Dashboard – You can find your VIN on a metal plate on your dashboard, near the windshield on the driver’s side.
VIN Driver-side Doorjam – You can find your VIN on a label on the driver-side doorjamb.
Today Toyota’s come with an assortment of high-tech features. Many Toyota vehicles come standard with the Toyota’s Connected Services.
Read on to learn how you can register and enroll your Toyota with Toyota Connected Services.
13 Steps to enroll your Toyota vehicle for Toyota Connected Services
Make sure your Toyota has the necessary equipment and capabilities for Toyota Connected Services and download any applicable Toyota apps on your connected device.
Enter registration info, including name, email, and password, which will be used to access your account in the future. Click Create Account.
An activation link will be sent to your email, so go there to finish activating your account.
The link will take you to a page where you will be notified that your account is active. Sign in using the email and password you set during step 3. Click Let’s Go.
After logging in, you’ll want to enter the VIN for your Toyota vehicle. Press Submit.
Enter your zip code and select your preferred dealer for service appointments. Click Add Vehicle.
On the following page, select Enroll.
Next, you’ll be able to see the applicable services available for your vehicle.
Review the opt-ins and click Continue.
Fill out your contact information and select Confirm Order.
Review the information and press Read Here to see the Terms and Conditions. When finished, check the box under Authorize and press Submit.
If your vehicle comes with Toyota Remote Connect functionality, the next screen will show the authorized user. Click Submit to receive an authorization code to your email. Enter the code into your vehicle’s Entune multimedia system to initialize the feature.
Issues With Toyota Service Connect
If you run into any issues while registering for Toyota Connect, Contact our expert Toyota team at Fremont Motors Toyota or get in touch with your local Toyota dealer.
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