Why Your New Car Battery Will Cost More to Replace than Your Old One
- Battery
- Cost
FixMyCar explains why replacing a new car's battery is likely to cost more.
Book a car repair nowEllie Dyer-Brown
Tuesday January 14 2025
3 min read
Batteries lose their capacity to hold charge over time. Their lifespan can be affected by numerous factors, including exposure to harsh weather conditions, how you drive, and how well they are maintained. Most last around five years.
Unfortunately, all batteries eventually need replacing, and when it's time, you might find that it costs more than you expected. This guide explains why.
Why your new car’s battery will cost more to replace
The newer the car, the bigger the strain on the battery. This is because most modern cars have sophisticated computer systems, requiring considerably more electrical power than the vehicles of yesteryear. Many also use advanced start-stop technology, which puts more strain on the battery.
Manufacturers have designed new batteries capable of powering electricity-hungry modern vehicles, but they have a bigger price tag because they are more advanced. Some dealerships charge prices pushing up into an eye-watering four figures.
Now, more than ever, it pays to shop around.
That's where FixMyCar comes in. If you need a new battery but don't want to pay over the odds, you're in the right place. Local garages on our network charge an average price price of just £217.37.
Five signs your car battery is low on charge
The engine turns over slower than usual
The dash lights flicker or dim when starting the car
The power-operated windows open and close slower when the engine is turned off
Visible corrosion at the battery terminals and cables
Check out our top tips for maintaining your car battery.
Can your battery capacity be tested before replacing it?
Garages can test your battery charge with specialist equipment. They do this as part of your annual MOT, and the service is also included if you book a winter health check. Find out how it's done in this guide.
A garage can recharge your battery in as little as 20 – 40 minutes if it is still in good condition. Replacing a battery is quicker, usually taking around 15 minutes, though it costs considerably more.
How the cold weather affects your car battery
VARTA, the leading global provider of premium batteries, has created the following video showing you how the cold weather can affect your car battery and what you can do to combat this.
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Written by Ellie
Ellie is FixMyCar's Content Writer. She has over three years of experience writing about cars and regularly collaborates with automotive experts to provide trustworthy advice for drivers that is easy understand. Her work has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, iNews, The Daily Express and The Sun. She has a BA in English literature and an MA in creative writing from Durham University. Outside of work, Ellie follows F1 and eagerly awaits Ferrari's next era of dominance in the sport. She drives a Suzuki Swift.