How Much Does It Cost to Change a Car Battery?
Ellie Dyer-Brown, 19 hours ago
5 min read
- Battery
- Cost
FixMyCar discusses how much it costs for a replacement car battery.
The importance of car batteries can’t be overstated. They provide the energy needed to start the engine and power various electrical systems as you drive. An unreliable battery puts you at risk of a breakdown, so if yours isn’t working as it should, it’s time to get a new one. But how much does it cost?
This guide discusses the factors affecting how much a battery costs and how much you can expect to pay on average to have a new one fitted.
Contents
How much does it cost to change a car battery?
Battery replacement prices by manufacturer
Why do batteries cost so much?
What affects the cost of a car battery?
Can I change a car battery myself?
How long does it take to change a car battery?
How do I know when my car battery needs replacing?
How much does it cost to change a car battery?
Replacing a car battery in the UK typically costs between £100 and £400. The price depends on the type, quality and brand of the battery and whether it’s under warranty.
Your location can also have an impact on how much it costs. Cities tend to have higher labour rates (£50-£100) than rural areas (£35-50). However, the labour is usually included in the overall replacement quote, so you shouldn’t be hit with any extra charges later.
The average price of a battery replacement on FixMyCar is £226.35.
Battery replacement prices by manufacturer
The table below shows how average prices vary depending on the make of your car.
| Manufacturer | Average price |
|---|---|
| Audi | £287.91 |
| BMW | £300.99 |
| Citroen | £214.73 |
| Fiat | £206.40 |
| Ford | £202.35 |
| Hyundai | £174.28 |
| Kia | £204.18 |
| Mercedes | £276.15 |
| Mini | £267.52 |
| Peugeot | £211.22 |
| Renault | £187.74 |
| SEAT | £222.44 |
| Skoda | £225.33 |
| Vauxhall | £209.72 |
| Volkswagen | £228.07 |
| Volvo | £272.23 |
Why do batteries cost so much?
The price of car batteries has gone up in recent years, leaving some motorists wondering why they cost so much.
There are three main reasons:
High-quality materials cost more but are more reliable and have a longer lifespan.
Modern cars have increasingly complex electrical systems, demanding advanced battery technology that costs more to produce.
Some vehicles require specialised batteries designed specifically for their make/model.
Read this guide for a deep dive into why your new battery might be more expensive.
What affects the cost of a car battery?
Battery type
The type of battery you use has a significant impact on the price. Lead-acid batteries are the most common and cheapest, while absorbent glass mat (AGM) and lithium-ion batteries offer more performance but cost more. You can learn more about the different types of battery here.
Battery size and capacity
Larger cars with more powerful engines require batteries with more capacity, and these naturally cost more.
Brand and quality
Well-known brands will often charge more for their batteries because they have a reputation for producing high-quality products. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean cheaper options are lower quality.
Warranty
The longer the warranty of a battery, the higher the price. You need to decide whether paying more is worth the extra peace of mind that comes with knowing you are covered.
Can I change a car battery myself?
Changing a car battery used to be pretty simple, requiring a spanner and a few minutes of your time. However, with very modern cars, the process is a bit more complex.
Sensitive electrical components may have to be removed to access the battery. Afterwards, they might need resetting. The job is even more complicated if your car has a stop-start battery.
Look through your owner’s manual to see whether any systems need resetting after changing the battery. If the job doesn’t look straightforward, we recommend booking a battery replacement rather than attempting to do it yourself.
How long does it take to change a car battery?
It usually takes 15-30 minutes to change a battery. Learn more about the process in this guide.
How do I know when my car battery needs replacing?
There are several things to look out for, signalling that your battery is approaching the end of its life.
Battery warning light - this dashboard light signals a problem with the charging system, which could be caused by the alternator, battery or related components.
Dim headlights - dim or flickering headlights indicate a failing battery.
Electrical problems - unusual behaviour from your car’s electrical systems is another common symptom.
Slow engine cranking - does your engine take longer to start than usual? If so, it might be time for a new battery.
Frequent jump-starts required - if you find yourself jump-starting your car often, the battery is probably on its way out.
How to choose the right car battery
Choosing the right car battery can be a hassle if you’re unsure how to compare them. Here are the things you should consider.
1. Match the specifications to your car
Look in your owner’s manual to work out what capacity, size and type of battery you need. If you book a battery replacement, the technician will offer advice and talk you through your options.
2. Take into account your driving habits and climate
Extreme temperatures and frequent short journeys put more strain on your battery, so it’s worth investing in a higher-quality battery if it will have to face these conditions.
Learn about why car batteries die.
3. Read customer reviews and evaluate warranties
A good warranty will give you extra peace of mind and protect you from the cost of battery troubles for the foreseeable future. Customer feedback is equally important to the decision-making process - you want to know the quality is as good as the company selling the battery will have you believe.
How can I make my car battery last longer?
On the whole, car batteries are good at looking after themselves. However, there are some ways you can help prolong their lifespan.
1. Try to avoid too many short journeys
Your car battery gets a good workout every time you turn the key in the ignition, and the alternator recharges it as you drive along. But if you only do short journeys, your battery doesn’t have time to fully recharge, and repeated short journeys can eventually lead to a flat battery.
If you can, drive your car frequently and plan some longer journeys. You could also invest in a battery charger.
This guide explains how to charge your car's battery.
2. Keep usage to a minimum when the engine is turned off
Batteries love being fully charged, so avoid leaving the headlights on when the engine isn't running. The same applies to interior lights and the infotainment system.
3. Ensure your battery stays clean
Make sure the top of your battery is clean, dry and free of dirt. The battery terminals will corrode over time, and keeping them clear of any residue build-up will help extend the battery's life.
4. Don’t leave your car unused for long periods
The battery can't recharge without the alternator and only holds voltage for so long. That's why, if possible, you should use your car regularly for the sake of the battery's health. If you're leaving your car unused for two weeks or more, the best thing to do is remove the battery or purchase a device to maintain it.
Having problems with your battery? Whether you need a repair or a replacement, FixMyCar is here to help.
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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.