Schedule maintenance of your car is generally a good way of keeping your car healthy. But even with on-time check-ups, there is a chance for things going wrong. A good example of this is a dead car battery. When car batteries reach a certain age, they start cutting out. That’s a sign telling you it is time to replace your car battery, or your car might leave you stranded somewhere on the road!
Figuring out car maintenance costs is always tricky since it depends on where you live and what type of car you drive. On average, car service costs in Brisbane are between $188 to $270. But every now and then, your car battery is dead, and you need to know how much car battery replacement will cost you? Well, the good news is car battery cost in Brisbane is affordable, but still, some factors may change the price. So if you want to learn how much an average car battery will cost in Brisbane, today’s guide will walk you through all you need to know. Let’s get started.
Why is it essential to replace your car battery?
The car battery stores electricity and provides energy to your vehicle’s electrical systems, such as the starter motor and fuel pump. Without the battery, these systems will not operate. The battery is charged every time the vehicle runs through the car’s alternator. The alternator converts mechanical energy to electricity and recharges the battery. A typical battery could not simply supply the amount of energy a vehicle needs, and that’s why cars use a rechargeable battery. This mechanism lets the car battery work for several years, after which the battery starts to wear down.
Car batteries use lead as a cost-effective method for power storage and can provide power while the engine is off. It’s good to know that lead is a dangerous substance to the environment. That is why it would be an environmentally friendly practice to recycle your car battery after it is replaced.
An old car battery cuts you off and might leave you on the side of a road. If you wish to keep the car operating, you need a car battery replacement, or else your car simply won’t work after a while. A dead battery means your car won’t start at all.
How often battery replacements are needed?
Obviously, your battery will not last forever. Generally, it is good to change your car battery every 3 to 4 years. But the lifespan of your car’s battery might get shorter due to several reasons. Extreme temperatures have a different effect on the battery and decrease the battery’s life. Living in very hot or unusually cold weather conditions means that you might consider replacing your battery sooner.
Another deciding factor is how you use your car. Taking many short trips means your car battery does not get a chance to fully recharge. On the other hand, if your vehicle spends a lot of time in the parking, the battery will drain without even the engine running. These situations can lead to a decline in your car battery’s life. To make sure you’re replacing your car’s battery in a timely fashion, we recommend consulting your manufacturer for battery change instructions.
Signs your car battery is dying or dead
There are a number of signs you can use to find out if the car battery is reaching its end of life. One of the first signs is that it takes longer for the engine to start when you turn on the switch. Some cars have low battery indicators to show there are insufficient amounts of battery fluid left. So, when the indicator illuminates, it’s time to think about a replacement battery. In other cars, the engine check indicator might signal this. There are also physical signs you should beware of. For example, the appearance of leak signs with corrosion or the battery looking swollen. Acid leaks can cause a smell of sulphur in your car.
Furthermore, if it has been more than three years since the last time you replaced your battery, it might be a good time to have it checked by a mechanic. Be careful when these signs show up. Neglecting an unhealthy battery might cause you a lot of trouble. If the car doesn’t start on the side of a road, towing costs in Brisbane can end up costing you more than a battery change.
Factors impacting the costs of battery replacement
Now let’s look at the factors that impact battery costs. People who drive luxury cars need to pay a higher price because the type of battery and replacement costs are higher. Sports cars and luxury vehicles need high-performance batteries to supply the engine with higher voltage rates. If you have a bigger car, the machine uses a bigger battery. For example, large trucks use bigger batteries that cost more than a standard car.
The battery type itself is a determining factor. There are lead-acid, lithium-ion, enhanced flooded and other types. Most cars use lead-acid batteries, which is the cheapest type, but vehicles with more enhanced features might use different types of batteries that cost more.
Suppose you take a lot of long trips. In that case, it is also recommended you carry an emergency starter kit in case of sudden failures. The starter kit boosts your car battery, using energy from another vehicle. Emergency starter kits cost around $100, but they can save you a lot of trouble!
What is the average cost of a new car battery in Brisbane?
As we mentioned, this all depends on the type of the battery and your car. But an average estimate for a standard car battery in Brisbane is around the $100 and $150 mark. If you have a hatchback, you should expect a price range between $90 to $200, while a sedan might cost up to $250. A four-wheel battery can range between $180 to $300. There are heavy-duty batteries on the market with costs up to $500. There are also labour costs for changing your battery if you don’t go DIY. Most mechanics will charge you between $10 to $100, depending on the location of the battery and how long it takes to replace it. Don’t forget to do your research first. Before replacing the battery, ask around for battery prices, and find out what kind of battery is the most suitable option for your vehicle. If you are changing your batteries frequently, that might be caused by a weak car performance.
Old cars might put more pressure on the battery and decrease its life. In that case, consider selling your car to upgrade to a newer model, and cut down on the maintenance costs. Auto wreckers like us are an excellent solution to your problem. We buy old cars for cash in Brisbane and Gold Coast. If your car’s battery is dead and the engine won’t start, don’t worry. Our free car removal service in Brisbane will pick up your vehicle.
