How much does car battery replacement cost?
Most of the cost of a battery replacement is the battery itself. The labor is short on most cars. A mobile mechanic is handy here because a car with a dead battery can't drive itself to the shop.
Car battery replacement prices at a glance
| Job | Newer pro | Experienced pro |
|---|---|---|
| Battery replacement, car | $215 | $290 |
| Battery replacement, SUV, truck or van | $250 | $335 |
| Tire rotation, car, for comparison | $50 | $80 |
Labor and basic supplies. Big parts or appliances you buy yourself are extra. Prices run higher in big cities.
What's usually included
- Old battery tested to confirm it is the problem
- New battery of the correct size and rating installed
- Terminals cleaned and secured
- Charging system checked after install
- Old battery taken for recycling
What changes the price
- Battery type. AGM batteries, common in cars with start-stop systems, cost more than standard flooded batteries.
- Battery location. Some batteries sit under a seat, in the trunk or behind the bumper.
- Battery registration. Some newer vehicles need the new battery coded to the car with a scan tool.
- Size and cold cranking amps. Trucks and cold climates call for bigger, pricier batteries.
Do it yourself or hire a pro?
On many older cars, swapping a battery takes basic hand tools and a few minutes. Newer cars can be harder, with hidden batteries or a computer that needs the new battery registered. If your car has start-stop or the battery is not under the hood, consider a pro.
Gear that helps
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Common questions
How long does a car battery last?
Many last three to five years. Heat tends to shorten battery life more than cold, even though cold is when they usually fail.
What are signs of a dying battery?
Slow cranking, dim headlights at startup, a battery warning light or needing jump starts are all common signs.
Is there a core charge?
Many stores add a core charge that you get back when you return the old battery. A mechanic who recycles it for you handles this.
Got a quote for car battery replacement?
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