How much does it cost to replace a car battery?

It is usually easy to tell when a car battery is on its last legs:
 

• Interior lights become dimmer

• Your car struggles to start

• The battery struggles to recharge

If you are not sure whether the battery is failing, you can book a free battery check at your local Protyre garage.
 

While all batteries do the same job, not all batteries are the same. Choosing the right battery depends on several factors:
 

• Your car’s make and model

• Your driving style

• The size and shape of the existing battery

• The location of the positive and negative terminals

• The ability of the battery to perform in certain weather conditions

Modern car batteries are called on to power air conditioning, lights, entertainment consoles, USB charging ports, airbags, sensors, and much more. If your car is fitted with start/stop and other technological features, then you may need an advanced car battery like an Advanced Flooded Battery (AFB) or an Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM). Our qualified fitters can advise you on the type of battery you need for your vehicle.

This depends on all the factors above, but good quality batteries start around £100. For a few deluxe and unusual vehicles, they can be £300 plus.
 
The most common types of batteries are:

Lead acid batteries

These are relatively cheap to replace and usually guaranteed for 3 years (or around 20,000 starts).
 

Calcium batteries

These are more durable and have about 18% more starting power. They should last for 30,000 starts.
 

Silver/Calcium batteries

These are pricier, but they deliver 30% more power and are guaranteed for longer. They should last for 50,000 starts.
 
Your battery will be rated for:

• Amp hours (which governs how long the battery lasts before needing a recharge)

• Cold Cranking Amps (the power available to start the engine in cold conditions)

As a rule of thumb, larger engines and diesels require more power than smaller engines. Our qualified fitters recommend choosing one appropriate for the power and size of your vehicle rather than paying for one more powerful than you need.

Temperature changes are the enemy of batteries and damage their performance. If you notice corrosion around the terminals, then electrical damage may already have occurred. These simple tips can extend battery life;
 

• Keep screws, clamps, terminals and cables free from dirt, damp, grease and corrosion

• Test charge levels regularly with a voltmeter

• If it can be topped up, use demineralised water and don’t overfill

At Protyre, our tyre professionals sell premium and great value brands like Pirelli, Bridgestone and Falken, but we do so much more. Book a free vehicle check at any Protyre garage and we will give your battery, tyres, and a host of other components the once over, keeping you in great shape between services.