Will the ETC in the car run out of power?

[KaiRose]

ETC can run out of power. There are two types of ETC devices: one with solar power and one without, but both rely on the battery inside the ETC device to maintain normal operation. It is recommended to charge the device every 3 months to prevent natural discharge of the internal battery. ETC stands for Electronic-Toll-Collection, which refers to the electronic toll collection system. To apply for ETC, the following documents are required: the original and photocopy of the vehicle owner's valid ID card and driving license. If the application is not made by the owner, the valid ID card of the agent must also be provided. The photocopy of the driving license should include the page with the most recent annual inspection stamp. Additionally, a bank card for deducting highway tolls is needed. The applicant must be between 18 and 60 years old and the vehicle must be registered under an individual's name. For company vehicles, the required documents include: A letter of introduction from the vehicle owner (with official seal); a photocopy of the organization code certificate or business license (with official seal); the original ID card of the agent; the original driving license of the vehicle; and the vehicle that needs to be equipped with ETC. How ETC works: The onboard electronic tag installed on the vehicle's windshield communicates with the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at the toll station. Using computer networking technology, the system settles payments with the bank in the background, allowing vehicles to pass through highway or bridge toll stations without stopping to pay tolls. Benefits of installing ETC: Time-saving: Eliminates the hassle of waiting in line; Green and eco-friendly: Reduces noise and exhaust emissions by allowing vehicles to pass through toll stations without stopping; Cost-saving: Reduces wear and fuel consumption by minimizing vehicle starts and stops; Improved efficiency: ETC lanes can theoretically increase traffic efficiency by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC faster, more advanced, and more high-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous.

[OChristian]

I used to worry about this when I installed my ETC. The ETC device can indeed run out of power because it has a built-in lithium battery. But don't panic, as it's designed intelligently to recharge via solar power while driving. If you drive on highways daily, you won't need to worry about power for three to five years. However, like me last year during the pandemic when my car sat in the garage for months, I realized the battery was drained when it couldn't scan at the toll station upon driving again. Fortunately, just parking it under the sun for half a day can recharge it. If that doesn't work, you'll need to replace the device at an ETC service point. It's best to regularly check if the small green light on the device is on.

[DeReed]

My car has had an ETC device installed for four years now, and it's still working perfectly. These devices contain button batteries that mainly rely on solar panels for power. If you always park your car in underground garages or with sunshade films, it will indeed accelerate battery drain. My neighbor encountered this situation - after leaving the car untouched for two weeks straight, the ETC failed to work when entering the highway. The key is to pay attention to the indicator light on the ETC device - when it stops lighting up, it means it's time to recharge. I recommend driving your car out for some sunlight at least once a week to let it recharge. If the battery completely dies, you can get a replacement device at bank service points within half an hour, though you might need to pay a small fee.

[DiArcher]

ETC can indeed run out of battery! The lithium battery inside typically lasts 3-5 years, similar to smartphone batteries. Frequent highway drivers don't need to worry as the solar panel keeps charging. But be cautious if your car is parked under trees in old residential areas or during prolonged rainy winters. My old car once sat idle for six months, and the ETC became completely unresponsive when I tried to use it. A friend at the vehicle management office suggested leaving it in sunlight for two hours first - and it actually worked! So it really depends on your usage patterns. If your car sits unused for long periods, it's best to park it in sunlight every couple months for charging. If all else fails, bring your documents to a service center for free device replacement.

[KathrynRose]

I remember when I first installed the ETC, the bank manager reminded me: This device needs to be fed and charged just like a person. There's a small solar panel on top of the device that automatically charges while driving. However, some metal car films can block it from charging, which is exactly what happened to my friend's car. It's recommended to check every month whether the green light on the device is on. If it's not, it means there's no power. Usually, you should first park it under direct sunlight for half a day. If there's still no response, you'll have to go to an ETC service point. Their equipment has a self-check function and can directly determine whether it's a battery issue or a device malfunction. When replacing the device, remember to bring your ID card and vehicle license, and it can be done within half an hour.

[Pereira]

I previously helped a colleague deal with the annoyance of a dead ETC device. The internal battery typically lasts about five years under normal conditions, but it depends on the vehicle's usage environment. Cars frequently used for long-distance trips rarely experience battery drain, unlike his situation where the car was always parked in an underground garage. One day, he suddenly noticed there was no beeping sound when inserting the card, and the red light on the device wasn’t flashing. We drove the car to an open area and let it sit under the sun for three hours, and the device came back to life. A bank staff member mentioned that if the battery is completely dead, the device enters a dormant mode and requires professional equipment to reactivate. So, if sunlight doesn’t work, it’s best to visit an ETC service center—just bring the necessary documents, and the process is quick without waiting in line. To avoid such issues, it’s advisable to keep the device away from metal films and ensure it gets some sunlight exposure for charging at least once a month.