Reluctant to go into gear the first time each morning

There isn’t anything complicated about this. The battery is easy to replace yourself. I think the only tool is a 10mm wrench, preferably a 1/4” drive ratchet. Auto parts stores will replace it free. If you need to drive the car to the parts shop, an ordinary jump start will get the car started and get you there.

 

It's not hard at all to change. Disconnect negative cable from the post first, reconnect it last. A 10 mm box wrench is pretty much all you need. I'll get out a small ratchet wrench as well, and invariably find it's getting in the way, too bulky. And, a small wrench you hold more enclosed in your hand; less liable to touch something and short out.

Tighten till snug, then firm it up a bit more, but be gentle. Give the clamps a tug, make sure they're solid.

You might also want a wire brush, the kind that looks like a bottle cleaner, but for battery clamps, is good to have: chase it through the clamps before reinstall. A little fine sandpapering of the posts doesn't hurt either. Try to pick up the lead dust with a damp paper towel.

I like to hook up new batteries to a smart charger prior to install, do a full charge session. But a new battery in good shape, it's not manadatory. Especially if you're driving daily.

When I replace ours with an Optima Yellow Top the only issue I encountered was an ever-so-slight difference in the new battery height meant Toyota's lame-brain hold-down bracket design was rocking atop the battery. I put a shim washer under one side, and it's fine.

 

Did you see the info I posted about the $146.24 Bosch (but no matter what name is on it, it may well be manufactured by Johnson Controls) battery at PepBoys? Do you have one of their stores in your area?

 

absolutely. all the best!