Battery replacement: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What battery replacement is

A technician tests the charging system, removes the weak battery, installs a correctly sized replacement and recycles the old one. You need it when the car cranks slowly, the battery light stays on, or the battery is old and failing a test.

Signs you need it

  • The engine cranks slowly or clicks when you turn the key
  • Headlights dim at idle or the battery warning light flickers
  • The battery case is swollen, cracked or leaking
  • The battery is more than a few years old and has needed jump starts
  • Electrical features act strangely, such as slow windows or a weak radio

What the pro does

  • Tests the battery and the charging system to confirm the battery is the problem
  • Checks the alternator output and the starter draw
  • Removes the old battery and cleans the terminals and cable clamps
  • Installs a battery with the correct size, terminal layout and power rating for the car
  • Recycles the old battery and gives you a receipt or record of the change

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The battery size, terminal layout and power rating your car needs
  • Whether the battery is standard, enhanced or premium
  • Whether the battery is in a hard to reach spot
  • Whether the charging system also needs repair
  • Whether the car needs a reset of its electronic settings after the change
  • Whether the old battery is taken away and recycled at the visit

What a written quote should spell out

  • The battery test results and the cause of the failure
  • The battery brand, size and warranty period
  • Whether the charging system was tested and the result
  • Terminal cleaning and any cable repair
  • Whether the old battery was recycled and how

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Did you test the alternator as well as the battery?
  • What size and rating does my car need?
  • How long is the battery warranty, and is it prorated?
  • Will you check the terminals and cables for corrosion?
  • Does my car need a reset or registration of its electrical settings?
  • Do you recycle the old battery for me?

Red flags

  • Sells a new battery without testing the charging system
  • Installs a battery with a different size or rating than your car requires
  • Will not show you the test results
  • Leaves the old battery with you without a plan to recycle it

What you can do yourself

Many people replace their own battery on common cars. Disconnect the negative terminal first, keep metal tools away from both terminals, and avoid sparks near the battery because it releases gas. Some cars lose settings after disconnection, so check the owner's manual first, and call a shop if the battery is hard to reach or the car has an advanced electrical system.

Licenses and permits

A license is usually not required for battery replacement. Rules for handling and recycling used batteries vary by state and city, so check with your state or local licensing agency.

Battery replacement questions

How long does a car battery last?

It depends on the climate, the battery type and how the car is driven. A test at the shop will show whether it is still holding a good charge.

Do I need a battery with a specific rating?

Yes, use the size, terminal layout and power rating listed for your car. A battery that does not fit or does not have enough power may not work properly.

Can a bad alternator kill a new battery?

Yes. If the alternator is not charging properly, a new battery can run low again, so have the charging system tested with the battery.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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