How Much Does It Cost to Change a Car Battery?
Ellie Dyer-Brown, 2 months ago
5 min read
- Battery
- Cost
WhoCanFixMyCar discusses how much it costs for a replacement car battery.
It’s a fact of life that changing your car battery is something you’ll have to face at some point as a driver. But how much should you be paying, and how do you know whether or not you're getting a good deal? Find out in this guide.
Contents
How much does it cost to change a car battery?
Can I change a car battery myself?
How do I change a car battery?
How long does it take to change a car battery?
What are the signs that a battery needs replacing?
How much does it cost to change a car battery?
The average cost of changing a battery is £217.37, according to our data.
Costs can vary depending on the make and model of your car, with the average battery price for a BMW topping the chart at £271.91; at the other end of the spectrum, you have Honda battery replacement at £152.27.
| Average Cost of a Replacing a Battery | |
|---|---|
| Audi | £266.47 |
| BMW | £271.91 |
| Ford | £198.79 |
| Mercedes-Benz | £266.08 |
| Nissan | £201.65 |
| Renault | £187.47 |
| Toyota | £177.29 |
| Vauxhall | £197.65 |
| Volkswagen | £214.25 |
| Volvo | £236.86 |
Can I change a car battery myself?
On older cars, changing the battery is pretty simple and involves a spanner and a few minutes of your time. However, replacing the battery of a modern vehicle can be more difficult.
Sensitive electrical components may have to be removed to access it; afterwards, they may need resetting. If your car has a stop-start battery, the job is even more complex and best left to an expert.
How do I change a car battery?
Find out how to change a car battery in our step-by-step guide.
How long does it take to change a car battery?
The whole process of changing a car battery usually takes around 15 to 30 minutes.
What are the signs that a battery needs replacing?
Cars will always have tell-tale signs if something is wrong, and it’s no different when it comes to car batteries. Regular checks will help determine if your battery is on the way out, and knowing the symptoms will also help you prevent a potential breakdown at some point in the future.
Your battery might need replacing if:
There is a build-up of green, powdery residue on the terminals.
You can see a battery warning light on your dashboard.
The engine takes longer to start and feels like it is struggling.
Where is my car battery located?
Traditionally, car batteries were located at the front of the vehicle under the bonnet. While this is still true for many cars, some may have the battery in the boot to help with weight distribution. The best way to find out where yours is located is to check your owner's manual.
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, WhoCanFixMyCar is here to help.
If you found this guide helpful, you might also like:
Written by Ellie
Ellie is WhoCanFixMyCar’s Content Writer. She has a BA in English literature from Durham University, a master’s degree in creative writing, and three years of experience writing in the automotive industry. She currently drives a Suzuki Swift.