How Much Does A Car Battery Replacement Cost in the UK?

The average car battery lasts between three and five years but if your car battery is more than three years old, it's recommended to get it checked and replaced if necessary. While some batteries last much longer, eventually all batteries will need to be replaced. When a battery begins to fail, it will often give warning signs, such as dimming headlights, slow engine crank, and electrical problems that are usually exacerbated by cold weather. If any of these problems are noticed, it is likely that it’s time to replace the battery.

How much does it cost to replace a car battery?

The average cost of replacing a car battery is £130, with prices ranging from £100 to £300 and it is usually the case that battery prices for vehicles with a stop/start system are higher (around 20% more). The exact price of a car battery replacement depends largely on your car and the parts your car's manufacturer recommends. Your location can also be a key factor in determining the price of a car battery replacement. For example, average hourly labour rates and demand in cities like London is around £50-£100 while in towns with lower demand, the labour rates can range from £35-£50. The type of mechanic, for example, a mobile mechanic vs a dealership garage technician can also affect the total cost of a car battery replacement.

Average cost of a car battery replacement by location

The battery type (and hence the cost of it) will vary depending on the make and model of the car. A car battery is rated according to amp hours (AH) and cold-cranking amps (CCA). Cold cranking amps are the power they have to start your engine in cold weather, and amp hours are how much amperage the battery can provide for one hour. There are mainly three types of batteries in the market - lead acid, AGM and EFB with lead acid being the most common and cheapest variety.

To avoid having car owners overpaying and get a fair price for a car battery replacement, we use real-time data of thousands of car makes and model data, local labour prices for car battery repairs and replacements and battery part prices to provide an instant fair quote. Simply enter your vehicle registration number and postcode to get an instant price for a battery replacement for your car.

Average cost of a car battery replacement by manufacturer

Signs your car battery needs to be replaced

If your car battery is more than three years old, it may need to be replaced. Other signs that your car battery needs to be replaced include:

• Electrical issues
• Difficulty starting the engine including a rapid clicking noise
• Noticeable corrosion at battery terminals
• “Swollen” battery case
• Check engine light on

The battery is leaking

If you notice that there is a leak coming from the battery itself, it’s likely that the battery is damaged and it needs to be replaced. Get this checked by a mechanic as soon as possible as the leaking solution is corrosive in nature and can cause further damage to the car.

The battery won't hold a charge

If your car is having difficulty starting, it may be time for a new battery. Batteries normally last between 3-5 years, but driving habits and conditions can affect their lifespan. If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, or if you frequently drive short distances or do not use your vehicle regularly, your battery may not last as long as someone who lives in more moderate conditions and drives long distances.

Lights dimming and electrical issues

When the battery fails, the electrical components such as power windows, lights and the radio system will not receive enough power to function properly. If you notice dimming headlights, this can be a tell-tale sign that your battery may need replacing.

The battery warning light on the dashboard

The battery light on the dashboard is an indication that the battery is not being charged. This can be caused by a number of things, including a problem with the alternator, alternator belt or a problem with the battery itself. If the light comes on, it is important to have the vehicle checked by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible as you may need a car battery replacement.

Frequently asked questions about battery replacement cost

What does a car battery replacement involve?

Car batteries come in a variety of types, each designed for a specific purpose. They have unique configurations, sizes and terminal placements too so the process can differ from vehicle to vehicle. The process will more or less follow these steps:

Mechanic will inspect the electrical system to check for a failing battery
If necessary the battery will be replaced. The mechanic will do this by safely removing the old battery by disconnecting the negative cable first, then the positive.
The mechanic makes sure the battery's cables have not corroded or damaged before putting them back.
Some modern vehicles need the programming to be reset accordingly when a new battery is fitted. The mechanic will ensure this is done.
Mechanic tests the battery charging system to confirm it is working as it should be.

How to extend the life of a car battery

There are a few things you can do to extend the life of a car battery:

-Keep it clean: A build-up of dirt and grime can shorten the life of a battery. Wipe it down with a cloth or brush every few months.

-Keep it charged: A battery will last the longest if it’s kept at full charge. If you know you won’t be driving for a while, disconnect the battery and store it in a cool, dry place. The lower the state of the battery charge the more easily it will freeze in cold weather, potentially causing damage

-Avoid short journeys: Short journeys prevent your battery from fully charging, and repeated short journeys result in steadily decreasing battery voltage. 30 minutes is a good average time to keep in mind to ensure the battery is fully recharged.

How long does it take to change a car battery?

You can expect a qualified mechanic to spend about 30-60 minutes carrying out a battery replacement. However, this can sometimes take more than an hour on some modern vehicles which require more time to access the battery terminals, reprogram the settings and fit everything back in its place.

Can I carry out a car battery replacement myself?

Battery replacement involves some automotive knowledge and electrical skills. Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend a car battery replacement is only carried out by a professional mechanic. ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work.

What else could be the problem if my car battery isn’t flat or dead?

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a flat battery such as difficulty with starting the car, then the following car parts could be malfunctioning:

• Alternator - a malfunctioning alternator will prevent the battery from receiving sufficient power to recharge it
• Starter motor - if you are unable to start the car along with a clicking sound, it could also be a faulty starter motor
• Fuel system - insufficient fuel in the tank or a clogged fuel filter or fuel pump failure can result in the non-starting of the vehicle