How much does it cost to replace a car battery?
A replacement car battery (UK) ranges between £100 and £350.
The average cost of a new car battery in the UK is £150.
How much does it cost to replace a failing car battery?
Well, if you’ve been quoted over £1k, we’d definitely suggest you shop around for a better deal!
On average, fitting a new car battery should cost you somewhere in the region of £100 and £350.
A battery has a limited lifespan and should last you up to 4 or 5 years (for a good quality battery).
So, if you’re having problems starting your car, your battery power is failing, or it’s struggling to recharge (which might be an alternator problem as opposed to your battery), then it’s time to do your homework.
What are the car battery replacement costs at a dealership compared to Fixter garages?
| Operation | Vehicle | Dealer Price | Fixter Price | Saving |
| Car battery replacement | BMW 3 Series 2ltr Petrol | £278 | £242 | 15% |
| Car battery replacement | Citroen C3 Picasso 1.6ltr Diesel | £137 | £120 | 14% |
| Car battery replacement | Ford Fiesta 1.2ltr Petrol | £118 | £103 | 15% |
| Car battery replacement | Hyundai i20 1.2ltr Petrol | £169 | £149 | 14% |
| Car battery replacement | Kia Picanto 1ltr Petrol | £167 | £145 | 15% |
| Car battery replacement | Mini Countryman 1.6ltr Petrol | £345 | £295 | 17% |
| Car battery replacement | Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid Phev 3 Hybrid Electric | £359 | £313 | 15% |
| Car battery replacement | Toyota Corolla 1.6ltr Petrol | £177 | £149 | 19% |
| Car battery replacement | Vauxhall Astra 1.4ltr Petrol | £122 | £107 | 14% |
| Car battery replacement | Volkswagen Golf 1.2ltr Petrol | £224 | £124 | 16% |
What factors can affect car battery replacement?
A car battery used to be a simple bit of kit. A big block of cells holding a charge, that was used to start your car and power its electrical components.
However, cars aren’t the simple A to B mechanical machines they once were.
With the implementation of hi-tech components and software-driven performance and features, many batteries have had to undergo just as much change to be able to manage the applications they’re expected to support in current vehicles.
They will still start your vehicle, but now they’re expected to power your air conditioning, the wide range of lamps and lights inside and out, USB charging ports, entertainment consoles, digital control systems, airbags, sensors, mechanical control functions, on-board computers, navigation, cameras, displays and so much more.
There are a selection of battery types to choose from, each offering a level of operation, power and a price to match.
Then there’s the mass-market of different brands, each with their own price points for their ranges of varying types of battery.
Why is there such a difference in car battery price from dealer to dealer?
Without a doubt, anybody who has owned a car will understand the important role their car battery plays. Yet, as with so many of the components housed under the bonnet, it won’t last forever.
Your new car battery cost can vary by extreme amounts from dealership to dealership, and you’ll find just as much variation throughout independent garages and retailers.
So, I can already hear you asking: why is that?
What car battery do you need?
- Your battery is rated according to
- Amp Hours
- Cold Cranking Amps
In simple English, Amp Hours are how long the battery can perform without a recharge, and Cold Cranking Amps is the power they hold to start your engine in cold conditions.
You’ll need the right battery to do the job for your make and model, and size, of vehicle.
Larger engines and diesel models will need more cranking power than smaller engines.
There’s little point splashing out on a battery you don’t need, so knowing which size is the most appropriate for your vehicle is the first step towards finding your best option.