How to Choose a Car Battery for Replacement?

You should consider these points to choose the right battery for your vehicle: 

1. Type: Check your car’s manual to identify a compatible battery for your car. Some variants available in the market are:

• • Standard flooded battery (compatible with older cars with fewer electric functions)
  • AGM batteries (compatible with start-stop systems)
  • Lithium-ion batteries (compatible with an electric vehicle)

2. Size and terminal placement: Buy a replacement that fits your car’s battery tray and terminals.

3. Electrical specifications: Ensure that the battery’s reserve capacity and Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) match your vehicle’s requirements. The higher the CCA, the better it’ll perform in frigid conditions.

4. Features: Consider specs like a handle for easy car battery installation and a vent system to prevent gas build-up.

5. Warranty coverage: Verify if a battery replacement is included in your manufacturer’s warranty. You can also check if they offer a free battery test service.

Note: Warranty coverage can vary by car part. For instance, a tire warranty may cover tire repair services like tire rotation and replacement only if specific criteria are met. That’s why it’s crucial to know your battery’s warranty details.

What’s Covered in a Car Battery Replacement Service?

A professional car battery replacement typically covers:

1. Diagnosis: The mechanic will look for wear or corrosion on the old battery and check its reserve capacity with a tester to determine if a battery replacement or an engine repair is required.

2. Selection: They’ll determine the right battery based on your car’s size, voltage, and capacity.

3. Replacement: They’ll replace the dead battery with a new one by connecting its positive and negative terminal to its positive and negative cable.

4. Testing: Next, they’ll perform battery testing to confirm proper power delivery. Usually, some mechanics provide a free battery test service, while others may charge you for it.

5. Recycling: After replacement, the auto service center may send the old battery to a battery recycling facility.

Note: While you’re at it, it’s a good idea to check if you need a tire repair — verify the tire pressure and ensure you have the correct tire size for your vehicle. You should also check if your tire warranty covers essential tire services like tire rotation and balancing. That’s because damaged tires strain your engine and indirectly affect your car battery.

How Much Will a Car Battery Replacement Cost?

Battery replacement services cost between $185 and $400. Battery size, labor charges, output, and vehicle type also influence auto repair prices. 

Here’s an estimate of how much different battery types can cost:

• Interstate standard flooded battery: $150 to $200
• DieHard Batteries – Platinum AGM: $276.99
• Electric vehicle battery:  $6,500 to $20,000

How Urgent Is a Car Battery Replacement?

A malfunctioning old battery can stop working anytime and anywhere. 

And the worst part?
The battery can explode due to leaking battery acid, damaging other engine parts. You’ll then end up paying for a hefty engine repair.

So, if your vehicle’s battery is failing, visit an auto service mechanic for a battery check soon.

Signs Your Car Needs a New Battery

Here are some signs you’ll notice when you need  a car battery replacement service: 

• Vehicle won’t start: You try starting the car, but it doesn’t budge. That’s a sign of a dead battery that won’t be able to crank your engine.  

• Vehicle starts slowly: Usually, cars struggle to start in cold weather. However, your car will often struggle to start if the battery is dying. 

• Dashboard warning lights: If you observe an illuminated battery light or check engine light on the car’s dashboard, you may need a battery check.

• Problems with electrical parts: If your car’s auto parts aren’t responsive and the headlights are dim, it indicates a weak battery.

• Swollen battery: When an alternator overcharges, it generates excess voltage, leading to electrolysis and hydrogen gas build-up. This builds up pressure in the vehicle’s battery, making it swell.

• Odd smell: A rotten egg odor from the battery indicates an acid leakage that can cause corrosion in surrounding areas.

5 FAQs on Car Battery Replacement

Here are some common battery-related questions: 

1. What Is a Car Battery?

An auto battery stores power to start your car and run the vehicle’s electrical system. 

2. How Long Do Car Batteries Last?

The average battery lifespan is between 3 and 5 years. However, it may vary based on its type and vehicle usage. For example:

• A standard lead-acid battery: lasts 3 to 5 years 
• An SLI battery: lasts 3 to 6 years
• AGM batteries: last for up to 7 years

3. Is a Battery Replacement Covered Under a Car Warranty?

Car batteries are wear-and-tear products that aren’t covered by an extended warranty. However, many batteries come with the manufacturer’s coverage. 

4. What Causes a Car Battery to Drain Fast?

Here are some factors that can drain battery life quickly:

• Battery age: Old car batteries won’t hold charge for long.
• Extreme temperatures: Heat and cold temperatures can cause the battery to malfunction or work harder, making it drain faster.
• Car accessories: Keeping headlights, interior lights, and electronic accessories running can drain the battery unnecessarily. 
• Faulty alternator: A malfunctioning alternator won’t charge the battery adequately, which can lead to faster battery drain.   
• Parasitic draws: Small electrical loads can drain battery life even when the engine is off. 
• Limited vehicle use: Not driving every day can stop the battery from charging fully. 

Note: If your car battery dies en route, you can call for roadside assistance. You’ll have to provide them with personal information like your name and location, and they’ll come to jump-start your car.

5. How to Replace a Car Battery?

Replacing a dead battery is tricky, so it’s best to let professionals handle the replacement.

Here’s how an auto repair mechanic will perform a car battery replacement service:

1. Open the hood and locate the old battery.

2. Disconnect the dead car battery cable from its respective battery terminal. They’ll first remove the negative cable from the negative terminal, and then the positive cable from the positive terminal. 

3. Detach the dead car battery and clean the tray along with the connectors (terminals). 

4. Place the new battery in the tray.

5. Reconnect the positive cable to the positive terminal and the negative battery cable to the negative battery terminal. 

6. Close the hood and conduct battery testing. 

Note: After the car battery installation, they’ll send the bad unit to a battery recycling agency that treats discarded car batteries.