Flat Car Battery

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Battery Replacement

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£190.39

Average quote for flat battery repairs

Most drivers will encounter a flat battery at some stage, and unfortunately, it rarely happens at a convenient time. Cold weather, frequent short journeys and old age can all contribute to battery failure. You can find out more about the possible causes in this guide.

Flat batteries often happen because the lights or other electrical components have been left on while the engine is switched off. In this case, it should be possible to jump-start your car or use a charger to replenish the battery’s charge.

If neither of these options is available to you or your battery is flat due to old age or corrosion, you can contact a mobile mechanic who will help get you back on the road.

  • Car battery replacement

    The average cost of a car battery replacement booked on FixMyCar is £217.37.

    Over time, car batteries lose their ability to hold a charge and eventually need to be replaced. If there’s a fault with your car’s electrical system, it can drain your battery quicker than average.

    Can include
    • Car electrics testing and diagnostic
    • Car battery removal
    • Car battery sourcing
    • Car battery fitting
  • Hybrid car battery repair

    The average cost of a hybrid car battery repair booked on FixMyCar is £369.31. Hybrid vehicles rely on both a fuel engine and an electric battery to power them. So if there’s a fault with a hybrid car battery, it will need to be repaired or replaced as soon as possible to keep the car running.

    Can include
    • Inspection and diagnosis
    • Hybrid car battery repair
    • Hybrid car battery replacement
  • Mobile car battery replacement

    If your car battery is dead, a mobile mechanic can come and replace it for you. The average price of a car battery replacement on FixMyCar is £196.52.

    Can include
    • Home visit
    • Battery diagnostic
    • Battery replacement

Symptoms of a flat battery

When the battery is completely flat, the engine will either fail to crank or, if it does, it will sound weak. You won’t be able to start your car and may notice the battery warning light on the dashboard.

It’s common for symptoms to appear before the battery fully dies; if you spot these soon enough, you can book a replacement to avoid getting stuck at an inconvenient time with a car that won’t start. Keep an eye out for a rotten egg smell, loss of power, dim or flickering headlights and general electrical issues. Any signs of corrosion on the battery terminal indicate it’s time for a replacement.

Learn more about batteries

What are the main causes of a flat battery?

Flat batteries often happen when drivers accidentally leave the headlights or interior lights on while the car isn’t running. Similarly, using electrical systems drains them faster.

Batteries naturally lose their ability to hold charge with time, so they eventually go flat and must be replaced. This is perfectly normal; you can expect your battery to last between three to five years. Find out how to test whether your battery is in good working order here.

How long can you leave a flat battery?

Even a fully charged battery will go flat after two to four weeks without being used. It’s best to recharge it as soon as possible; leaving a lead-acid battery discharged for too long is bad for it and not advisable.

This guide explains how to get the most out of your battery.

How do you deal with a flat battery?

First, attempt a jump start (or use a battery charger if you have one). If this doesn’t work, you probably need to replace the battery. You could try to do this yourself - we explain how here - but the safest and most reliable option is to contact a mechanic to do the job for you.

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