
German Car Specialists in
Car Battery Replacement and Repair
If you are looking for a car battery replacement or repair service in Hitchin, Hertfordshire then look no further than Auto Service & Tuning Centre.
The car battery is a crucial component of both older, and modern vehicles, working constantly to ensure the delivery of power to both the vehicle itself, and its corresponding systems, ranging from headlights to onboard navigation.
The vast majority of car batteries are guaranteed to last for up to three years, however, regular preventative maintenance can extend this lifespan by up to two years, cutting down on repair costs, and ensuring the optimum performance of your vehicle.
As a proud member of the Bosch Car Service Centre network, Auto Service & Tuning Centre offers car battery replacement and fitting, servicing, checks and repairs conducted to a national standard. Our experienced, Bosch accredited technicians in Hitchin, conduct a wide variety of battery-related services using only high quality or manufacturer-approved parts, ensuring that all vehicles maintained or repaired by Bosch Car Service leave performing optimally.
Car Battery Replacement Service
Auto Service & Tuning Centre based in Hitchin, Hertfordshire is an accredited provider of Bosch standard battery checks, fitting, and replacement. Our highly trained technicians combine their unrivalled knowledge, and confident use of dealership standard diagnostic technology to provide a complete service, from visual inspections, to full car battery replacements.
National Standard Workmanship, Every time.
Technologically advanced diagnostic equipment
Auto Service & Tuning Centre’s team of Bosch accredited technicians are highly qualified, allowing for the use of sophisticated diagnostic equipment within our centre. Using this equipment, our technicians can undertake inspections of a car’s electrical system, ensuring that the battery is at fault upon the discovery of any issues.
Diagnostic capability for all systems and models
Our continued investment in the most advanced diagnostic equipment and accompanying training allows our expert technicians to conduct battery checks, servicing, repair, replacement and fitting across a wide variety of vehicle models and systems. Our continued investment in the most advanced diagnostic equipment and accompanying training allows our expert technicians to conduct battery checks, servicing, repair, replacement and fitting across a wide variety of vehicle models and systems.
High-quality parts
As a Bosch accredited service centre, Auto Service & Tuning Centre has access to a wide variety of Bosch Car Batteries, including the S4 (best suited to diesel and older petrol models), the S5 (suited to vehicles requiring a higher electrical output). These batteries offer unrivalled performance and reliability across the board at an excellent price point.
Bosch Accredited Centre
Auto Service & Tuning Centre’s status as a Bosch accredited service centre allows us access to an extensive selection of patented, quality batteries and
related component, and ensures all work conducted by us is upheld to a national standard.
3 Year Guarantee
Bosch batteries fitted by Bosch accredited service centres, such as Auto Service & Tuning Centre, are subject to a three-year unlimited mileage guarantee.
Online booking service
We are proud to provide fully accredited and certified Bosch vehicle servicing to Hitchin, Letchworth, Stevenage, Royston, Baldock, Bedford, Luton, and beyond.
Our Car Battery Replacement and Maintenance Packages
Auto Service & Tuning Centre currently has a wide variety of car battery maintenance and repair services, the most popular of these being battery checks, and battery replacement and fitting;
Car Battery Checks
During a battery check, our expert technicians will conduct an initial visual inspection of the battery, casing, and terminals. Issues noticed during this phase of the battery check are normally indicators of serious wear and tear, such as terminal corrosion, or warped casing. Following this inspection, the battery voltage will be checked under load using technologically advanced diagnostic equipment, from which accurate capacity readings will be taken. It is also necessary to measure charging performance – this test is of particular importance if previous readings indicated low voltage levels.
Following a battery check, our Bosch technicians will deliver a report highlighting any issues noted within the battery system, and providing estimated repair or replacement costs in a jargon-free manner, letting you make an informed decision.
Car Battery Replacement and Fitting.
Auto Service & Tuning Centre offers a comprehensive battery fitting and replacement service in Hitchin, Hertfordshire using batteries and components of the highest quality. Our highly trained, Bosch accredited technicians perform fittings across a wide variety of vehicle models and battery types, from regular to EFB and AGM. Key features of this service include an initial visual inspection, safe cable disconnection, replacement of cables subject to wear and tear, and cable tightening, alongside the fitting of a quality Bosch battery – which features a corrosion-proof design, and a three-year unlimited mileage guarantee.
Following installation, our technicians will register your new battery with the Energy management system where applicable, and recycle the used battery on your behalf.
Benefits of a Car Battery Service
Performing regular maintenance checks and timely battery replacements can provide you with assurance in the reliability of your vehicle. The team at Auto Service & Tuning Centre believe this peace of mind is priceless. In addition to this primary benefit, there are a number of positives associated with battery checks and quality replacements, including (but not limited to):
Improved Power Output – the installation of a high-quality battery, such as those manufactured by Bosch, can greatly improve power output – a must in vehicles demanding electrical systems. The S5 Bosch Battery provides a 30% increase in power output.
Detect issues prior to failure – conducting regular battery checks and tests ensure issues are caught prior to performance deterioration, avoiding total failure, and increased repair costs.
Correct disposal of old batteries– Auto Service & Tuning Centre offers a comprehensive battery replacement and fitting service, meaning we will recycle old batteries on your behalf post-service.
Auto Service & Tuning Centre are accredited providers of Bosch standard servicing. Our highly trained technicians combine their unrivalled knowledge, and confident use of dealership standard diagnostic technology to provide a complete service, including extensive checks and adjustments, alongside scheduled part replacement using only quality, or manufacturer approved parts.
As well as Car Battery Service, we also offer…
Car Battery Service FAQs
How long do car batteries last?
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.
What charges a car battery?
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.
How much is a new car battery?
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.
How do I know if my vehicle needs a new battery?
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.
Does idling charge a car battery?
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.
Are car batteries covered by insurance?
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.
Main Depot.
42 Wilbury Way
Hitchin
Hertfordshire
SG4 0AP
Contact info.
Service hours.
Mon - Thur: 08:00 - 17:00
Fri: 08:00 - 18:00
Sat - Sun: Closed
Closed on bank holidays