Used Hybrid Batteries
Are you considering a used hybrid battery for your vehicle? Many hybrid vehicle owners look for used hybrid batteries due to the high cost of new or even used batteries. At Toole’s Garage, we want to help you understand your options and their pros and cons. One of the most common questions we hear is: Will the used hybrid battery I am buying be better than the one I’m replacing? It’s a valid concern.
If you've noticed a decrease in fuel efficiency or your hybrid vehicle’s performance is becoming sluggish, it's likely time for some battery work.
Your options generally come down to the following:
- Replace the failing hybrid battery with a new hybrid battery – This is the most expensive option, but it provides you with a battery that’s likely to last as long as the original, along with an OEM warranty.
- Check the failing battery for damaged cells and replace only the bad cells with good ones from another battery – While this is the least expensive option, it comes with significant drawbacks. There’s no way to predict when other cells in the battery may fail, likely soon after. Since the battery has already suffered cell failures, this can be a temporary fix at best, and the warranty may be limited to 6 months or less.
- Replace the failing battery with a remanufactured hybrid battery – Remanufactured batteries are restored to 95% of their original charge and energy. These batteries come with warranties ranging from 12 to 24 months, and they cost less than new batteries. However, our experience shows that these batteries often fail just after the warranty expires, making it a less reliable solution.
At Toole’s Garage, we also offer Hybrid Shop remanufactured batteries which come with a state-of-the-art process and longer warranties compared to standard used batteries. We highly recommend opting for a remanufactured battery over a used one for greater reliability.
Before making any decisions, we recommend bringing your vehicle in for a hybrid battery inspection, even if it was already diagnosed by another shop. Many mechanics are not hybrid-trained and can mistakenly blame the hybrid battery for fault codes that may not actually be related to the battery.
Call us today to discuss your hybrid battery options and ensure you make the best decision for your vehicle.