Notice your car struggling to start or headlights looking dimmer than usual?
Well, your battery might be on its last legs.
Ignoring it will not only leave you stranded, but it can also put extra strain on your car’s electrical system.
But how long does it take to replace a car battery?
Thankfully, it’s a quick fix.
Let’s explore the replacement process, how much time you’ll need, the costs involved, and a few simple tips to ensure a healthy battery for years to come.
This Article Contains:
- How Long Does it Take to Replace a Car Battery?
- When Should You Get a Car Battery Replacement?
- How to Replace a Car Battery?
- How Much Does a Car Battery Replacement Cost?
- How to Make Your Car Battery Last Longer?
How Long Does it Take to Replace a Car Battery?
Depending on your car’s make and model, a car battery replacement can take anywhere between 15 minutes to 3 hours.
A few other factors that can affect the duration are:
- Diagnostic checks: Technicians use a battery tester to first check whether the problem is with the battery or if it’s an underlying electrical issue, like a faulty alternator.
- Battery location: Some car batteries are placed right under the hood, which is easy to access. However, those located under the floorboards or in the wheel well may be difficult to reach, adding to the replacement time.
- Finding the correct battery type: Sourcing a compatible and good battery can take time if it needs to be ordered from a distant location or checked in inventory.
- System resets: Some cars need an electrical system reset after battery installation, which can include reprogramming or recalibrating settings.
- Final testing: Technicians usually run final tests to verify the new battery and electrical components are working correctly, which can take extra time.
Now that we know how long a car battery replacement takes, let’s discuss the right time to get a new one.
When Should You Get a Car Battery Replacement?
Car batteries typically last 3 to 7 years, depending on their type:
- Lithium-ion batteries have a lifespan of around five years or at least 2,000 charging cycles.
- A lead acid battery can typically run for about three years.
- AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries usually last three to seven years. In fact, under optimal conditions, an AGM battery can exceed a decade of reliable performance.
However, extreme heat, aggressive driving habits, and frequent short trips can shorten the battery’s lifespan.
Apart from the recommended intervals, you should book a replacement if you notice the following signs of a failing battery:
- Active warning lights: The battery or check engine light may turn on when the battery starts to fail.
- Engine starts slowly: A weak battery may not provide enough electrical energy to the starter motor, which is responsible for turning over the engine.
NOTE: The engine can start slowly due to other issues, like a faulty starter motor or alternator.
- Dim or flickering headlights: This happens when the battery can’t supply consistent power, especially during startups when power demand is the highest. This can affect electrical components like the headlights.
- Corrosion on battery terminals: If the battery terminals show signs of corrosion (white, chalky deposits around the terminals), your vehicle battery needs attention. However, if corrosion keeps returning after cleaning, it could indicate internal battery problems, making a replacement necessary.
- Unpleasant smell: A failing battery can produce a strong rotten egg smell due to leaking battery acid. This happens when the battery deteriorates from overcharging, internal damage, or excessive heat.
- Swollen battery case: A misshapen or bulging case indicates internal damage and a dying battery. A good battery should have an intact case with no swelling.
- Low battery fluid level: If the fluid is low (visible in non-sealed batteries), your battery may need battery testing or replacement. This often happens due to overcharging, which can evaporate the fluid over time.
- Low cold cranking amps (CCA): As the battery ages or deteriorates, its ability to hold and supply charge decreases, leading to a drop in cold cranking amps. This can make it harder for the engine to crank in cold temperatures. CCA measures a battery’s ability to deliver power and start the engine in frigid conditions.
If you spot any of these signs, consult a professional mechanic or a reliable auto repair shop immediately.
Wondering how the replacement process works?
Keep reading to find out.
How to Replace a Car Battery?
CAUTION: Improper handling of a car battery can damage the vehicle’s electrical system or even result in safety concerns, like electric shocks or acid burns. That’s why you should always consult an auto repair expert to replace your dead battery.
If you still wish to know the process, here’s how a professional will go about it:
- Switch off the car and engage the parking brake to prevent movement.
- Locate the old battery using the car manual if it’s not easily visible.
- Use a socket wrench to loosen the battery terminal nuts. They’ll remove the battery cable from the negative terminal (black) first, then disconnect the positive terminal (red).
- Loosen the clamps securing the battery to the battery tray and lift the old battery.
- Clean the battery terminals to remove any corrosion.
- Place the new car battery into the battery tray, aligning the positive side with the car’s positive terminal and the negative side with the negative terminal.
- Check the voltage using a digital multimeter to ensure the battery is fully charged.
- Secure the new car battery by reattaching and tightening the battery hold-down clamps with a wrench.
- Connect the positive battery cable first and tighten the battery terminal securely, then attach the negative terminal.
- Check the stability of the new battery by trying to move it; if it shifts, tighten the hold-down clamps further.
TIP: Getting a battery replacement is also a good opportunity to perform other essential maintenance tasks, such as tire service, tire rotation, or brake repair.
Next, let’s crunch the numbers and see what a new vehicle battery will cost you.
How Much Does a Car Battery Replacement Cost?
A car battery replacement typically costs between $100 to $20,000 (for EVs). This depends on several factors, such as:
- Battery type and size: The type of battery you choose impacts the price:
- Sealed Lead acid battery: $100 to $300
- AGM battery: $150 to $200
- Lithium-ion battery (found mostly in EVs): $6,000 to over $20,000
- Vehicle make and model: Your car’s design affects the replacement cost. Vehicles with hard-to-reach battery compartments require more labor, increasing the total expense.
- Battery brand: Premium brands cost more but offer better longevity and performance.
- Additional repairs: The cost can increase if your battery replacement involves additional repairs. For example, fixing a faulty alternator can cost around $100 to $1000.
TIP: Sometimes, an auto parts store may offer free battery testing and diagnostics to help you determine if a replacement is needed.
That said, regular maintenance can help save you money in the long run while increasing your battery life.Let’s check out a few steps you can follow.
How to Make Your Car Batteries Last Longer
Here are some nifty ways to extend your battery life:
- Limit the use of accessories like headlights and the AC when the engine is off to prevent battery drain.
- Drive your car regularly to keep the battery charged. If your vehicle will be left unused for weeks, disconnect the negative terminal to avoid any electrical issue and save power.
- Park indoors to protect from extreme temperatures that can shorten the battery’s lifespan.
- Check the battery voltage monthly with a digital multimeter; if it drops below 12.4V, recharge to maintain performance.
- Avoid frequent short trips, as they don’t allow the alternator enough time to fully recharge the battery.
- Be mindful of your driving habits. Sudden acceleration, heavy braking, and excessive idling can strain the battery.
- Keep the battery clean and free of corrosion.
NOTE: Choosing the right battery brand and type is just as important for longevity as car maintenance.
Get Fast and Reliable Car Battery Replacement with AutoNation Mobile Service
A failing battery can slow you down, affect your car’s performance, and leave you stranded when you least expect it. That’s why replacing your battery at the first sign of trouble is crucial.
If you’re short on time and need a fast, efficient battery replacement, trust the experts at AutoNation Mobile Service to handle it for you.
The best part?
You don’t even have to leave home — our mobile mechanics can come to your driveway seven days a week.
Oh, and did we mention?
Every repair comes with upfront pricing and a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty.
Contact us today and get back on the road without the hassle.