How much does a car battery replacement cost?

The average cost for a car battery replacement ranges from $50 to $170, but installation will cost extra. On the other hand, electric car battery replacement costs range from $5,000 to $15,000 and extra for labor and installation. Usually, the job is not billed on an hourly rate, but instead, quotes are given based on the age of the vehicle, the make, model, and battery selected. The range of services built into a quote vary, as well as any warranties on labor and materials. 

Hiring a professional on Airtasker is cheaper than the cost to replace a car battery at a dealership. There you pay almost twice the price! This is a task that can be done onsite or at a garage, per your needs.

Click, click, click…that is the sound of most vehicles with “dead” batteries, and that means that a car or truck making that noise cannot start. No vehicle owner should ignore the warning signs that a battery is reaching the end of its life because it can often mean that it will be left without a functioning vehicle unexpectedly. A car battery replacement is one of the more affordable repairs, and it should be part of regular upkeep and care.

So exactly how much does it cost to replace a car battery? In this cost guide, we’ll consider when and why you will want to replace your vehicle’s battery, how to choose the right battery, and what to expect in terms of costs relating to the new battery.

Why replace a car battery?

The battery in a vehicle is the electrical storage unit that allows the vehicle’s electrical system to operate. Without it, the systems (i.e. starter motor, fuel pump and engine control unit) will not run. It is usually a large, box-like device that is full of electrolyte material and leads plates that work together to become charged whenever the vehicle (and its alternator) are running. It connects to the vehicle through two posts that transfer energy into the vehicle.

You will want to have a car battery replacement if you wish to keep your vehicle operating. Note that it says simply “operating”. This is because a failed battery typically prevents the car from running. It is not going to reduce efficiency or run poorly – it will simply not run at all.

The good news is that there are more than enough warning signs to tell you that you want a car battery replacement right away. They include:

• The engine is slow to “turn over” or crank. If it takes a few seconds longer than normal to start the engine, it is probably time to get a car battery replacement

• The battery indicator illuminates. Note that some vehicles have low battery fluid indicators, and no matter what type of indicator your vehicle has, it is an irrefutable sign that you need a new battery

• The “check engine” indicator illuminates

• The physical appearance of the battery indicates a problem. This might be a leak with corrosion on the posts or other build-up on the case. The case itself may look bloated, swollen, or cracked

• There is a sulfur smell in the vehicle. This is the smell of corrosion caused by battery acid leaks

• The battery is past three years in age, and that is the ideal time to have it checked in order to see if a truck or car battery replacement is needed

• The headlights, interior lights, and other interior electronics (radio) are very dim

One or more of these issues means it is time to scout out a car battery replacement, and that can mean buying the battery and paying an expert to do the installation or even entrusting them with the task of choosing the best battery and doing the work. And what does the process involve? Let’s consider that process because it is not just about removing and replacing the unit.

What does replacing a car battery involve?

Before answering how much it costs to replace electric car batteries, the first thing to know is that there are no “universal” or “one size fits all” batteries for vehicles. They are found in different sizes and types and may even have unique configurations and terminal placement. That is why you will want to consult with an expert in order to purchase the right option for your specific vehicle. Keep in mind that changing technologies and advances in vehicle design make batteries more expensive than in the past, along with creating multiple options for any specific vehicle.

You may find that your older vehicle (one over five years old) is able to use older batteries. However, newer vehicles with specialized electronics may demand a specific type of battery. For instance, cars that shut down when at a full stop require specialized batteries with more complex battery replacement issues. 

The process of replacing a battery generally means:

• Obtaining the right battery for the vehicle; and

• Having it installed properly in the vehicle

When done by an expert, they will:

• Safely remove the old battery by disconnecting the negative cable, then the positive.

• They loosen the tie-down system and remove the battery

• The cable ends and all wiring are inspected and cleaned (they may need replacement if corroded)

• They will then install the replacement and restore the tie-down system. They may apply anti-corrosion compounds to terminals.

• If any programming is needed, they will then use the tools to ensure it is done properly.

• The vehicle is then started, and the charging system’s output is compared against the original equipment manufacturer settings.

Some can offer proper recycling of the old battery as part of their fee. And it is important that, after installation, the charging system and vehicle’s general operations are back to normal.

Why do car batteries fail?

No battery has an endless life, and there are a few reasons that a car’s battery can fail:

• Bad cell

• Temperature extremes

• Low electrolyte levels

• Corrosion on terminal or cables

• Malfunctioning charging system or alternator

• Age

There are also mechanical issues unrelated to the battery that may drain it or put undue stress on the unit, causing it to fail prematurely. Most batteries last from five to seven years, or longer if driven daily and maintained.

What issues might affect the price of a car battery replacement?

As noted, a luxury car with battery monitoring equipment, alternators operated through the engine’s control unit or ECU and those with silver calcium can cost far more. However, they typically last longer and are less prone to damages due to temperature extremes.

Additionally, any problems discovered while testing the charging system or related components may add to the total car battery replacement cost.

How to make a car battery replacement task

Do you think that you would benefit from hiring an Airtasker expert to do your car battery replacement? It is easy to create the task and post it to the site. Then you simply wait for providers to respond with offers, compare them, and make your choice. Never base your decision on cost alone, and take customer feedback, experience, and other key details into consideration.

Here’s a list of issues we recommend you include in any listing:

• The time frame required (emergency, longer amount of time available, etc.) 

• Budget (the amount you have for the project)

• The make, model and age of the vehicle along with preferences in battery brand, type, etc. Also make note of the other related work you want, such as testing the charging system, the alternator, and so on

• The materials and parts you will provide (and ask for a quote on them if you want to compare your options)

• Note if the provider has to pick up the battery as part of the installation service

• If you require a warranty on labor (and materials if you don’t supply them)

• Your location and any challenges there may be in reaching or working in that location

The more details you offer, the easier it is for a provider to give an accurate and competitive offer. Keep in mind that most will also use your listing as a guideline for when they arrive to do the work – so accuracy and honesty are key!