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My car battery on the Toyota Echo is more than 5 years old and running fine. Some four years ago I had some problem with the belt and was told that I needed to change my battery as well as the belt. Since then the battery is running perfectly and starting every time. I was told that some batteries died suddenly. How can I get this battery checked before winter set in? I do not want to go to a place that just want to sell me another battery,

Hi there,
I recommend popping into your local AA Service centre for a battery check. It doesn't seem too common for a battery to die suddenly, usually they can give some signs. The main one being the slightest change in engine turning over speed before starting, and will slowly get worse over time.