How much does replacing a car battery cost?

What does a car battery do?

Every car requires a battery to run on. What the car battery does is, helps to run the mechanism of the car from helping in the ignition of the engine, making the headlights and taillights work, making the stereo system work, or even helping the windows to roll down and up.

How much does it cost to replace a car battery?

First of all, a new car battery has a minimum lifespan from 2-5 years. Most new car batteries even have a warranty for 2 years in which they can be replaced without costing you a single penny. It’s due to the battery being rechargeable and is charged by a device called “an alternator” in the car. An alternator helps convert all the physical energy of the car’s engine into electricity which charges the car’s battery.

Secondly, due to the reasons stated above, a new car battery doesn’t need a quick replacement. Well, if it has completed its time or giving signs to change it, then go to a car mechanic to have it checked and replace it if required. If the time has come to change it, you don’t need to worry as the battery replacement cost is very less. The average cost for replacing a new battery is roughly around 150 $ including the labor to change it for most of the cars out there. You could also lower that cost by purchasing the battery from a battery shop and changing it on your own, if you know how to.

Some signs of a low battery

Before you need to replace your car’s battery, the battery shows some signs before completely running down which is a good indication. The starting factors may show that the “check engine” light is coming on. This means that the car battery is really slowing down or maybe dead soon. Always keep an eye on the battery’s health from time to time so that you don’t get stranded in the middle of anywhere with the car failing to start.

Here are some signs which show the battery is starting to die:

– Engine starting slowly

With time, the components inside the car battery start to become less effective. If this happens, the battery will take much longer to create a charge, leading to a few more seconds to start the engine.

– Dim lights or electrical issues

The car battery gives power to all the electronics of your car, from the head and tail lights to the stereo system or to the dashboard computer. If the battery is starting to lose its charge, you might face issues with the electronics because they won’t be running on full power. The more electronic accessories you add to the car like your phone charger, the more chances of your battery dying out soon.

– Check engine light

In many of the cars, when the check engine light appears to be on, it might mean several things but mostly comes on when the battery is starting to run out. Take your car battery to a mechanic to have it checked whether it’s working at its full capacity or not. If not, then have it replaced with a new one and the battery replacement cost isn’t going to be too much on your pocket.

– Bad smell

If a battery is damaged or has an internal shortage, this could cause it to leak gas. If you have ever smelled the smell of rotten eggs when you open the engine hood, a leaking battery is an indication. Take it ASAP to get checked or replaced before it causes any other car problems.

– Terminals corroded

After some time from purchasing a new battery, you might have noted that there is an ashy white substance on the metal parts of the car battery, especially near the terminals. If yes, then you have a corrosion problem. Both the terminals might be corroded which could lead to issues in the voltage of the battery and trouble in starting your car.

– Distorted battery case

The hot climate may not affect the lifespan of your battery of that much but the cold climate can affect the condition of the battery sooner than you think. The extreme climates can cause a battery case to even crack or swell up. If your battery isn’t rectangular, chances are it’s not working as it should.

– Old Battery

If you face any signs from the mentioned above, then try to remember when was the last time your car battery was replaced. As mentioned earlier as well, an ideal car battery lasts a period of 2-5 years. Varying climate, driving habits or electronic demands can all lead to how long or short the lifespan of the battery is.

It’s always a good habit to get your battery’s performance checked and tested whenever you are down at the mechanic shop. Try replacing it if you face any signs stated above. Also, don’t be afraid to replace your battery with a new one if required, and remember that the battery replacement cost will always be less than you think.