Batteries do not last forever

All car batteries are designed to last for a specific amount of time, which is usually 3 to 6 years based on the climate, usage, and electrical needs of the vehicle. Short trips often do not allow the alternator to completely recharge the battery, extreme heat can cause chemical damage to the battery, and there are more and more electronic systems in today’s cars that demand power from the battery. If it is hard to start your car on a cold morning, or if your lights don’t light up as much while the vehicle is running, your battery is telling you something.

What’s the Cost of Replacement?

car battery replacement cost varies based on the type, size and technology of the battery. A small hatchback standard lead-acid battery is priced at fifty to eighty pounds. Stop-start systems are found in mid-range cars, and these vehicles need AGM batteries (one hundred to one hundred fifty) or EFI batteries. The batteries for high-tech cars that feature lots of electronics can cost as much as two hundred dollars. If professionally fitted, another twenty to fifty to be added by labour. Before you head to the garage, you can search online for the approximate price of replacing the car battery for your specific model and make a reference price for comparison during negotiations, and to look for garages that are overcharging the price. 

Use AGM Battery, EFB or Standard Lead Acid

You should use a battery of the same type originally fitted to your car if your car is fitted with a stop-start system. A conventional lead acid battery will not last long and lead to possible electrical problems if it’s installed in a stop-start vehicle. Deep cycling applications are typically specified for AGM batteries because of their ability to withstand deep cycling and to recover the charge quickly. EFB batteries are used in entry level stop start vehicles and sit between standard and AGM in performance and cost.

Do You Have the Ability to Fit It Yourself?

In many vehicles, replacing the battery is a very simple process. Always disconnect the negative terminal first followed by the positive terminal, then the hold-down clamp, replace the battery, and then reconnect the battery terminals in reverse order. But certain newer cars need diagnostic software to register a replacement battery by instructing the car’s energy management system. If this step is not followed, the new battery may be overcharged or undercharged, resulting in a shortened battery life. Test to see if your vehicle needs it before you attempt to do this yourself.

Here Are a Few Signs You Should Look for When You Should Replace Your Battery

The classic symptom is slow cranking. If there is a clicking noise heard when turning the key, the battery is unable to provide sufficient current to start the engine. Any warning lights on the dashboard, erratic electronics or a swollen or leaking battery case are signs to watch. If your battery has been more than four years old and you experience one or more of the following symptoms, you should consider having it tested—most auto parts stores will do this for free.

How to Make a New Battery Last Longer

Maintain clean and tight terminals. Maintain charge of the alternator by driving for at least 20 minutes. When parked for long periods, a trickle charger will prevent deep discharge. Do not run lights, USB chargers or infotainment systems while the engine is not running. These tiny things can make a year or more of battery life.

Conclusion

One of the more predictable expenses of owning a car is battery replacement. The surprise is taken away if you know what battery you have, and what it will cost. Once you purchase the correct specification and fit it correctly, register it if required and you won’t need to worry about it again for 4-5 years.