When I returned from a recent trip, my 2001 Toyota Prius let me know a big expense loomed in my near future. On both displays on the dashboard was the "Triangle of Death" the indicator lights that say the hybrid battery is about to die.
I knew this indicator light was in my future because hybrid batteries last about seven years. The current battery is the third for my intrepid car. We bought the car in 2002 with 15,000 miles on it. The first battery died right on schedule in 2008 and the next one in 2015.
Until COVID, I was sure that when this battery died the car would go to the junkyard. The Prius has a current Blue Book value of $1,000 so putting a $4,000 battery in it is not the smart move.
BUT.
Used car prices are crazy. Everything else about the Prius is at least functional (and ,like me somewhat wrinkled). In its 205,000 miles it has had 65 oil changes and all other required maintenance. So I ordered the battery and will now look at getting a used electric car in 2029.
Yesterday, my MacBook Air also displayed the Triangle of Death. I bought this computer in 2016. Recently I noticed the battery would not last more than 90 minutes on battery. I took it to Lancaster Computer Company. Ron, the owner, said the expected battery life is three or four years. He replaced the battery. I made several charge jokes (battery and credit card) and I left with a fully functional computer for less than $100.
Dropping further down the price scale, I replaced that very necessary item for just $30. I travel nowhere without a cell phone charger.
My iPhone is less than two years old, so it has no battery issues. In modern life batteries are all around us. Having three important batteries die in a month shows me just how dependent I am on these powerful, invisible devices.
I'm glad I could replace them all, so my life can charge ahead.
