- According to Advance Auto Parts, the price to replace a car battery can range anywhere from $100.00 USD to $200.00 on average. (Source)
- Prices vary according to the year, make, and model of the vehicle. They also vary according to a brand’s name and reputation. Cheaper batteries may seem like a bargain at first but can prove to be a costly nightmare down the road. (Source)
- Take into consideration that there are additional cost factors that may be involved such as extra taxes and warranties.
- Are you installing the battery yourself or will this be something a shop will do for you?
- Car batteries for EV Units start at $2,500.00 USD and can go as high as $20,000.00 USD. (Source)
Cost Factors to Consider
- Brands
- Parts & Labor
- Fees & Taxes
- Warranties
- EV Batteries
Brands
Like all products, there are premium brands that are noted for selling top-quality items at above-average prices.
Batteries made by knockoff brands will vary in price and will be lower but as the old saying goes, “you get what you pay for.” With this in mind, be sure the knockoff brand has a solid enough reputation where the money you spend on their battery won’t let you down anytime soon.
Better brands with better reputations may seem more expensive at first, but in the long run, may prove to be the better investment. Not every battery made has the same performance level nor the same shelf life.
Companies that make cheaper batteries that are sold for less money are known for cutting corners that will lower the quality level of a product.
At that point, is it really worth spending so much less for something you may wind up having to buy at least twice as opposed to paying just once for a product that can clearly do better?
Sales & Service
If you’re buying the car battery from a parts store as an adept mechanic who knows how to install one in your own vehicle without issue, then you’re saving yourself the cost of labor of a mechanic doing this for you.
Furthermore, not all shops will sell something at the same price. If you’re at a garage where you’ve paid someone to replace your battery for you, these prices vary from shop to shop.
According to the information shared on the website belonging to Auto Service Costs, the bulk of the cost to replace the battery will be in the part as it doesn’t take long for a mechanic to take out the old and put in the new. (Source)
Fees & Taxes
Upon the sale of a car battery, the seller will apply a sales fee. Usually, this costs $2.00 USD if the voltage of the battery is under twelve. If it’s over twelve, it’s $3.00 USD.
There are also rebate opportunities when the old battery is replaced with the new one at the time of sale. The price point of the battery fees also referred to as an environmental tax, varies from state to state.
Warranties
Usually, car batteries are sold with a warranty. Some of them may be limited to just a year or two while the premium batteries sold by top brands usually have a five-year warranty program in place.
Since these vary and are often limited, directly contacting the warranty provider is a good way to learn how you can score a little more peace of mind when it comes to your battery. (Source )
EV Batteries
Unlike regular car batteries, an electric vehicle (EV) has a battery that does so much more than serve as a component to keep the motor running. These are so much more expensive with the starting price of $2,500.00 USD.
Vehicles sporting a battery designed for EV units also treat this part as its fuel source as they’re designed to replace the need for a combustion engine that relies on gas, diesel, and propane to move about.
More details
As your car’s engine turns over, the battery provides the initial spark that starts the combustion process. The alternator then takes over and powers the electrical system while the engine is running. But what exactly is a car battery and how does it work? Read on to find out everything you need to know about this essential component of your vehicle.
A car battery is a lead-acid battery. Lead-acid batteries are made up of lead and lead oxide plates submerged in an electrolyte solution of water and sulfuric acid. When the engine is running, the alternator charges the battery, causing a chemical reaction that creates electrons. These electrons flow from the negative to the positive terminal, providing power to the electrical system.
When the engine is not running, the battery provides power to the starter motor, lights, and other accessories. A car battery typically lasts for three to five years, but its lifespan can be shortened by extreme temperatures, excessive discharge, or lack of maintenance.
To prolong the life of your battery, it’s important to keep it clean and free of corrosion. You should also check the electrolyte level regularly and top it up with distilled water if necessary. If you suspect your battery is not performing as well as it should be, have it tested by a professional.
Now that you know all about car batteries, make sure yours is in good condition so you can avoid being stranded on the side of the road.
Car batteries and car model brands
Car batteries come in all shapes and sizes, and each brand has its own specific requirements. When it comes time to buy a new battery, make sure to consult your car’s owner’s manual to find out the specific type of battery that your vehicle requires.
Some of the most popular car battery brands include:
- Interstate Batteries
- Optima Batteries
- DieHard Batteries
- EverStart Batteries
No matter what brand of battery you choose, make sure it is compatible with your car and that it has the necessary power to start your engine in all weather conditions.
Now that you know everything there is to know about car batteries, you can be confident that yours will last for years to come. Just remember to keep it clean, charged, and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions and you’ll be back on the road in no time.
Price to replace
Most car batteries cost between $50 and $200 to replace, but the price can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Always consult your car’s owner’s manual to find out the specific type of battery that your vehicle requires.
If you’re not sure whether or not your battery needs to be replaced, have it tested by a professional. Many car dealerships offer free battery tests, so there’s no reason to wait until you’re stranded on the side of the road.
Cost to get a mechanic to fix or replace
If you’re not comfortable replacing your own battery, you can always take it to a professional. Car mechanics typically charge between $50 and $100 to replace a car battery, but the price can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
As with any mechanical issue, it’s always a good idea to get a second opinion before paying for a car battery replacement. Many auto parts stores offer free battery tests, so you can take your car in for a test drive before making a decision.
What are the warning signs my battery needs to be replaced?
There are several warning signs that indicate your car battery needs to be replaced, including:
- The engine takes longer than usual to turn over
- The headlights are dimmer than usual
- The interior lights are dimmer than usual
- The power windows are slower than usual
- The car stereo is weaker than usual
If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s time to have your battery tested. Many auto parts stores offer free battery tests, so you can take your car in for a test drive before making a decision.
How often should I replace my car battery?
Most car batteries last for three to five years, but the lifespan can be shortened by extreme temperatures, excessive discharge, or lack of maintenance. To prolong the life of your battery, it’s important to keep it clean and free of corrosion. You should also check the electrolyte level regularly and top it up with distilled water if necessary.
If you’re not sure how old your battery is, consult your car’s owner’s manual or ask a professional for help. Many auto parts stores offer free battery tests, so you can take your car in for a test drive before making a decision.
How can I extend the life of my car battery?
There are several things you can do to extend the life of your car battery, including:
- Keeping it clean and free of corrosion
- Checking the electrolyte level regularly and topping it up with distilled water if necessary
- Keeping it charged
- Not letting it discharge too deeply
- Not leaving it unused for long periods of time
Summing Up
So, now you know everything there is to know about car batteries. Here are a few key takeaways:
Car batteries typically last for three to five years.
There are several warning signs that indicate your battery needs to be replaced.
You can extend the life of your battery by keeping it clean and charged, and not letting it discharge too deeply.
We hope this article has been helpful. If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out to us. We’re always happy to help.
Hi, my name’s David. I started this pricing blog as a side project to help people figure out the best prices on common services. Whether you’re trying to figure out how much it costs to get scanning done at Staples or the expense to bleach short hair, more than likely I’ve blogged about it. Shoot me an email if you have any questions: david@mightyprice.com.
