Left my headlights on for 24+ hours - new battery?

[TovinoThomas]

I have a 2011 Toyota RAV4 and this past weekend I came home probably around 3 am on early Sunday night. This morning when I started my car I realized that I stupidly had my headlights on for 24+ hours. Luckily for me my car did start and driving to work it was fine.

I need to go on a road trip and I wanted to know if a new battery was needed or not. I don’t know much about cars but I’ve heard that if your car starts after leaving your headlights on then it will be fine. I however did get a new battery probably like 3-4 years ago so the battery is somewhat new. Would you recommend I get a new battery or is it fine as is?Nox VidMate Mobdro

[Stealthee]

If the car still starts easily you're fine. The battery is mainly just for starting anyway. Once the car starts its mainly runs off the alternator.

[shorod]

I agree with what Stealthee said, and the roadtrip should help ensure the battery gets a full charge. I wanted to chime in though to say that the typical expected life of a lead acid battery, which until recently has been the typical battery chemistry in cars, is about 5 years. So if your battery is 3-4 years old, it's not "somewhat new" but rather something you should expect to replace in the next year or two.


-Rod

[beepbeepph]

Its good that your car starts easily which means that there's no problem caused by the situation. However, if you have a planned road trip it's better to have your car checked. You can visit your trusted car shop and let them check your car thoroughly and provide you the best recommendation. This is to avoid having car breakdowns and just enjoy your road trip without any hassle. Hope this helps!