A dead car battery can put a serious damper on your plans. If you're dealing with a faulty battery, you're probably wondering, "How much does a new car battery cost?"
Replacing a car battery is relatively inexpensive compared to a variety of other vehicle maintenance expenses. Learn about the average cost of car batteries, and factors that could impact their cost from the pros at Batteries Plus Bulbs.
Average Price of a Car Battery
Car batteries typically last anywhere from two to five years, depending on the battery type, climate and vehicle. Based on the make and model of your vehicle, you can expect to pay around $50 to $120 for a standard car battery and around $90 to $200 for a premium type.
Factors that Impact the Cost of a Car Battery
How much should a car battery cost? Batteries with specialized features like cold-weather performance or extended warranties are considered premium options. The type of battery your vehicle requires may affect its cost too. For example, there are over 40 types of car batteries available, such as absorbent glass mat batteries and lead-acid batteries. Additional factors that affect the cost of car batteries include:
The Size of Battery You Need
Standard car batteries may provide enough torque to power smaller engines, but larger engines often require bigger batteries. Larger batteries offer more amps of electrical currents per hour. Larger batteries usually have more power and can have larger reserve capacity than smaller ones. Additionally, since they are typically constructed with more materials than standard sizes, larger batteries tend to cost more than their smaller counterparts.
The Brand of the Battery
Battery manufacturing can vary significantly from brand to brand. Some manufacturers use premium materials to ensure greater performance and long-lasting use. Car batteries from high-end brands may cost more up front, however, in the long run, they could be a more cost-effective option since they may offer longer use than some cheaper brands. On the other hand, there are plenty of trusted car battery brands that offer more affordable solutions.
The Cost of Car Battery Installation
Whether or not you're planning to hire a professional to install your new battery will play a role in how much the battery costs. Car batteries aren't always easy to access, especially in compact cars. The cost of car battery installation will vary based on the battery's location and how long the installation takes. Installation may cost you between $20 to $75, however most locations offer this service for free.
The Reserve Capacity of the Battery
The amount of time it takes for a car battery to reach a full discharge under certain conditions is referred to as reserve capacity. Most batteries are purchased based on the make and model of the vehicle, however, it may be possible to purchase a slightly larger battery with a higher reserve capacity for around the same cost of a smaller battery with a lower reserve capacity.
Where to Find a New Car Battery
Need help finding the best car battery? The experts at Batteries Plus Bulbs are here to help. Shop our large selection of car and truck batteries online. Or, head to your local Batteries Plus Bulbs store to speak to one of our knowledgeable associates. Then, find out how to change a car battery to get back on the road in no time.