How Much Does a New Battery Cost?
A dead battery may mean that you’re going to be stuck wherever it dies. This is bad news and it may mean that you’re going to incur the cost of a towing bill on top of the price of a new battery. Those of us who have been there and done that are not anxious to repeat the experience again. The best way to avoid this situation is to replace your battery when it’s needed. Here are some useful tips about replacing your battery including the cost and the approximate time that it takes for installation.
When do I need to replace a car battery?
This depends on a few different factors. When you purchase a battery (even if it’s the factory install), there is an expiration date. If you have a 5-year battery in your car and it’s been 5 years since you’ve replaced it, then it’s time for a new one. Also, batteries can sustain damage from accidents or harsh impacts, Even if your battery has time left any leaks or other problems can cause it to weaken and need replacement. Extreme temperatures can also drain your battery and cause it to fail sooner.
What to do if your battery doesn’t work
If your battery isn’t at the expiration date yet, be sure to check the cables. If there is a lot of corrosion on them, this could be the cause. Battery corrosion is usually a white powdery looking substance. It can be cleaned off with a solution of eight ounces of water in a plastic cup and 2 teaspoons of baking soda. You can use an old toothbrush to remove the white and blue fuzz from the terminal posts on your battery and the cables. In some cases, this will fix the problem because corrosion can prevent your battery from making a connection.
The average lifespan of a battery
Batteries can be bought in a variety of life expectancies and although the average range is between 2 and 5 years, some can be as low as a year and others up to 15 years. The longer the life, the more expensive they are. Keeping your battery cables and terminal posts clean can help to extend the life of the battery.
How much does a new car battery cost?
The price of a car battery is fairly inexpensive. The average cost is between $79 and $120 for the less expensive brands and the premium batteries range in price between $100 to $220. Some dealers also offer a discount on the price of your battery if you turn in the old one at the same time you buy the new one. This is known as an exchange of the core.
Professional installation costs and time
If you have a mechanic install your new car battery, the cost can range between $10 and $100. The reason for the price range is because some batteries are placed in convenient locations and it can take a matter of ten minutes for installation. Others which are placed in more difficult to reach areas may take an hour or more to replace. It’s always a good idea to check the policies of the auto store you buy your new battery from because some of them will install a battery at no charge if you make the purchase through their store.
How to know if your battery is getting low?
There are a few signs that your battery is getting low. If you know what to look for you can take the appropriate action before you become stranded. The signs of a low or failing battery include a slow engine crank when you try to start the car. You may also notice that the interior lights of your vehicle are not as bright as they used to be. When you first start to see these signs, if your battery connections are clean, the odds are that your battery is beginning to fail and it’s time to install a new one.
The best course of action is to replace a battery that is beginning to fail. It’s not a good idea to give it time, because matters will only get worse. When a battery is weak and worn out, there is no way to make it like new again. Your best option is to replace it as soon as possible.
