Car Battery Replacement and Repair

Though car batteries are built to last up to three years, they will gradually deteriorate with every charge, and eventually, require replacement.

When properly cared for, they can last over five years, though, when subjected to normal conditions, car batteries can start showing signs of wear of failure at around the three-year mark.

These approximations are affected by many variables, notably, the number of starts. Most batteries have a minimum number of starts before performance drops. This can range from around 20,000 through 50,000 for regular batteries, and up to 360,000 for start/stop batteries. In addition to this, weather conditions, vehicle type, and the vehicle owner’s driving habits can have a huge influence on the lifespan of a battery.

Bosch Passenger Car Batteries bought and fitted at Bosch Car Service locations, such as Herts Car Specialists, are sold with a 3-year unlimited mileage guarantee.

Vehicle batteries, including car batteries, are rechargeable units connected to a charging system. This charging system is normally powered by an alternator – a type of generator most often driven by a belt, or ‘fan belt’ on the engine.

The alternator will charge the battery whenever the car is running. As the RPM of the engine increases, so does the alternator’s electricity output. This electricity will either be used to power accessories, such as headlights or, will be diverted to charge the battery.

In the case of a car battery ‘dying’, an external charger can be used as an alternative to the alternator and is generally the best way to get back up and running.

The average cost of a conventional car battery in the UK is between £60 and £150, whilst the cost of more complex batteries, such as those required in start/stop systems being, on average, 20 to 25% more expensive. A professional fitting will add to this price.

Battery quality can have a huge influence on both power output and lifespan. In addition to this, incorrect battery selection or installation contributes to a huge number of battery failures seen in garages across the UK. For this reason, it is important to choose the correct battery for your vehicle, and ensure it is of suitable quality. Auto Service & Tuning Centre has a huge offering of quality batteries and offers prompt and professional installation.

If you’re in need of a battery replacement or think your battery may be on the brink, get in touch with Auto Service & Tuning Centre today for a free battery check and quote.

There are multiple symptoms indicating the need for a battery replacement, including;

Slow start – starting a vehicle’s engine requires a huge amount of energy. In the case of a failing battery, starts will be noticeably slower than usual.

Low battery fluid levels – battery casing typically has a transparent section, allowing the owner to check up on fluid levels. Low fluid levels are typically an indicator of battery issues.

Bloated, swollen, or misshapen battery case – exposure to excessive head levels can lead to a reduction in battery life, accompanied by warped battery casing.

Battery leak – leaking is a strong indication of battery expiration. In addition to this, battery leaks commonly cause corrosion, especially around posts. This may prevent the car from starting.

Old age - batteries are known to last beyond three years but should be inspected annually beyond this age, particularly if they are subjected to starts more often than average.

Check engine light – the check engine light often serves as an indicator of weak battery power.

If you think your battery needs a check-up or replacement, contact Auto Service & Tuning Centre here. One of our expert advisors will be happy to assist you.

So long as your vehicle’s engine is running, the alternator should be functioning, allowing for the generation of electricity, though, if idling, it likely won’t be producing the maximum possible current. Vehicle owners must consider that running accessories or electrical systems such as modern onboard computers, lights, or stereos whilst idling can drain the electricity being produced – meaning idling is not the most effective way to charge a car battery.

Car batteries are very rarely covered by insurance, as their failure is often attributed to wear and tear. Some insurance policies may cover the cost of a battery replacement, but this is uncommon. This being said, battery failure is often covered by breakdown services offered by companies such as the AA or the RAC. Even if these companies will not cover the full cost of a battery replacement, they, or their local garage partners, will often offer jumpstart or recovery services.

Services and battery checks are key to avoiding unexpected battery failure and breakdowns. Book in with Auto Service & Tuning Centre today, or contact us.