Why your new car battery will cost more to replace than your old one

While it's true that batteries are rechargeable, over time they will lose their capacity to hold charge. The good news is that most will last around five years depending on how you drive and the conditions you drive in.

Freezing winter temperatures can prevent your battery from working properly. If this happens, your car will need a boost to start. You could try jump-starting the engine or purchasing a car battery charger, but if the problem is more serious, you may need a battery replacement.

A car battery will last longer if your vehicle is driven daily and kept fully charged. If your car remains parked for longer periods of time the battery will deteriorate more quickly

Signs that your car battery is running low on charge

• If the engine turns over noticeably slower than usual

• If the dash lights flicker or dim when starting the car

• The power-operated windows open and close slower when the engine is turned off

• Car lights that dim when the engine idles, or that shine brighter when revved

• Corrosion at the battery terminals and cables

Can your battery capacity be tested before replacing it?

Garages can test your battery charge with specialist equipment.

Car battery testing is completed as part of an annual MOT or a winter car health check.

Your battery can be recharged by a garage in as little as 20 – 40 minutes if it is still in good condition. Replacing your car battery takes longer than recharging.

Why your new car’s battery will cost more to replace

The newer the car, the bigger the strain on its battery. This is because most new cars have more sophisticated computer systems. These new tech features are constantly operating, drawing from the battery at a slow and steady place. This wears your battery down faster, meaning it ultimately needs to be replaced more often.

Although it seems counterintuitive, not driving your car at all or using it less than normal can also wear your battery down faster. The best thing you can do is take your car for regular drives to keep the battery fully charged and improve its lifespan.

Recent research has uncovered the shocking price tag that can come with car battery replacement. Some dealers are charging a startling four figure sum for battery replacement, whereas local garages on WhoCanFixMyCar charge an average price price of £140.

Cars which use stop-start technology to save petrol often require a special battery. Their engines automatically switch off when at a standstill, placing a larger strain on their batteries than standard vehicles.

Eco-conscious? Don't forget that many garages will also accept your old battery for recycling.

How the cold weather affects your car battery?

VARTA, the leading global provider of premium batteries, have created the following video showing you how the cold weather can affect your car battery and what you can do as a driver to combat this