Car Battery Cost

• Depending on the make and model of the vehicle, expect to pay about $50 -$120 for a typical car battery and $90 -$200 or more for a premium battery with a longer warranty and better cold-weather performance, or one for a luxury vehicle. Most auto parts or discount big box stores provide free installation if the battery is purchased from them, while other battery retailers may charge $10 -$100 or more for installation, depending on where the battery is located in the vehicle and their hourly labor rates. With installation charges, taxes and recycling/core fees (which vary by state), the total cost for a replacement car battery can be $60 -$300 or more.
• For example, from 2010 to 2012, CostHelper readers reported paying $52 -$130 for a car battery with do-it-yourself installation, at an average cost of $86. Readers who had a battery installed for them at an independent repair shop, auto parts store or big box discount outlet paid $60 -$180, or an average of $118.
• An auto club tow truck may offer instant battery replacement instead of towing. For example, CostHelper readers with AAA membership reported paying $97 -$139 for on-the-spot battery testing and replacement, at an average cost of $119.
• Car dealerships are typically the most expensive option for having a replacement battery installed. CostHelper readers who had their battery replaced at a car dealership reported costs of $90 -$307, for an average price of $204.
• Prices for many car batteries have increased significantly in recent years, due in part to the rising cost of lead (a key component in most car batteries) and increasingly strict environmental, health and safety standards for manufacturing with lead.

• The first step is to test the battery to see whether it simply needs recharging or should be replaced. This testing is free at most auto parts stores or departments, or car repair shops.
• Replacing a battery is a fairly straightforward process, although it can be slightly more difficult if the battery is in a hard-to-reach location in the vehicle. DIYNetwork.com provides how-to instructions.
• The replacement battery needs to match the manufacturer's recommended group size for that make and model of vehicle. Group size is based on the outside dimensions of the battery and the placement of the terminals. Battery retailers will look up the group size based on the vehicle make and model, or this information is available on AutoBatteries.com. Common group sizes are 34, 35, 65 or 75, and there are combination sizes like 34/78, with two sets of terminals.
• Battery warranties usually have a total warranty period and a free-replacement period (typically three months to three years). The length of the free-replacement period is most important, because if the battery fails after that ends, the consumer generally gets only a prorated credit toward a new battery.
• There are several other factors to consider. A battery's cold-cranking amps rating measures its ability to start a car in cold weather, at about zero degrees F. Reserve capacity indicates how many minutes the vehicle should run on battery power alone, if the car's alternator fails. And batteries are stamped with a date code, either on the case or attached label; Consumer Reports recommends buying a fresh battery that is no more than six months from its manufactured date.

• Make sure the battery fits the climate and driving conditions as well as the vehicle make and model. Consumer Reports has a car battery buying guide.
• Car batteries are available through a wide variety of retailers, such as AutoZone, Pep Boys, Sears or Walmart.

More Articles in Car Maintenance