Buying a new car battery can be daunting for first-time car owners. However, there’s no need to worry; here at Orius Batteries, we’ll walk you through the basics of car batteries. We know that one of the first questions frequently asked is “how much is a new car battery?”
Well, if you are looking for a broad-brush figure, the answer is anything between around £60 and £150 in the UK. But it’s not as simple as it sounds. You probably know that there are lots of different types of car batteries and they all differ in prices. That can be influenced by a few variables. Some factors are important to know about as they can affect the performance and functionality of your vehicle.
Factors That Affect Car Battery Prices
1. Battery Specifications
Car batteries are classed by specific technical details to fit different makes and models of vehicle. You need to check what ratings are necessary for your car to run it sustainably. The owner's manual will tell you the type of battery your car needs. In terms of how much a new car battery is in the UK, units with higher cold cranking amps (CCA) and reserve capacity (RC) tend to cost more.
Battery Reserve Capacity (RC)
The RC figure determines how long a fully charged battery can power your vehicle without relying on the alternator to recharge it. The higher the rating, the better.
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)
This measures the battery’s ability to start the car’s engine in cold environments. The number indicated determines the minimum amperage needed. If you live in cooler climes, you could buy a battery with a higher rating to start your car quicker and easier on cold mornings.
2. Type of Battery
Different types of batteries generate power differently. The price you pay depends on the efficiency of technology, the amount of energy it can produce, and its required maintenance. If you’re asking how much a new car battery fitted with the best tech is, they start at around £110. Here are the three most common types of batteries:
Lead-Acid batteries
These are the most common types of batteries, suited to most cars with normal power requirements. They are also known as wet-cell or flooded batteries, as they contain liquid electrolytes. These units typically need to be maintained regularly by topping up the electrolyte.
Enhanced Flooded Batteries (EFB)
These are the next generation after lead-acid batteries. They’re equipped with improved cycling strength and power receptors that accelerates the EFB’s recovery speed. These types of batteries are well suited to cars fitted with start-stop technology.
Absorbent Glass Mat Batteries (AGM)
These are top-of-the-line batteries that will steadily power even the most energy-demanding vehicles. Unlike wet-cell batteries, these are sealed units that are maintenance-free and leak-proof. Given these features, it’s not surprising that they’re the most expensive of the three types.
Find The Best Prices At Orius Batteries
If you’re worried about the cost of new car batteries and looking for the lowest possible price, visit our online store at Orius Batteries for guaranteed value for your money!
Even better, you’ll get free shipping if you’re resident on the UK mainland or in the Scottish Highlands. What’s more, you won’t just get a quality, long-lasting battery but you’ll also benefit from a lifetime warranty to cover it!
For enquiries about car batteries and other services, feel free to contact us on 01772 348317 or email us at info@oriusbatteries.com.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why are some car batteries more expensive?
Typically, the cost of a brand-new vehicle battery is determined by the amount of technology that goes into it. So an AGM battery is usually more expensive as it’s made to sustain the high-end electronics included in luxury vehicles. Other batteries may cost more if they come with a longer warranty, or if they’re designed to give better performance during cold weather.
What is the difference between cheap and expensive car batteries?
How much is a new car battery installed in your car? Well, that depends on the quality of the materials used in its manufacture. Cheaper batteries have PVC separators that don’t last as long as more expensive ones, which have high-quality rubber between the plates. What’s more, low-priced batteries also tend to have lower quality parts in other areas, like cheaper cables and wires.
How often should you buy a new car battery?
On average, car owners typically replace their vehicle’s battery every three years or so. Car batteries that are four to five years old are almost certain to be unreliable and may case safety issues. Luckily, it’s easy to work out when your battery is nearing the end of its lifespan.
How much charge should a new car battery have?
A car battery is fully charged if it measures 12.6 volts or above. If the engine is running, this should be around 13.7 to 14.7 volts. If you don’t own a multimeter to check the voltage of your batteries, you can test your electrical system by starting the car and turning on the headlights. If the car doesn’t start as easily as usual or the headlights are dimmer than normal, it’s an indicator your battery may be on its way out.
Should you run your car after installing a new battery?
You don’t need to run your car for any length of time after installing a new battery. But if you suspect an existing battery is drained after a long period of not using it, for instance, it will be fully charged after around 2–3 hours of solid driving. If you can’t do that, then a short drive of around 15 minutes won’t fully charge the battery, but will give it enough power to start your car next time.
Steps To Charge A Car Battery
Before charging your car battery with an external charger, first make sure that the terminals are clean and the clamps are tightened well. Even the tiniest amount of movement could mean that the clamps aren’t tight enough which could result in your vehicle not starting.
Once you are ready to charge your car battery, here are the steps you have to follow:
- While it’s okay to charge your battery while the vehicle is running, it’s safer to disconnect the battery first.
- Don’t forget to remove the negative lead first, which is usually coloured black and has a - (minus) symbol.
- Attach the leads, matching both positives and negatives correctly then switch the charger on and let it charge.
Buying A New Car Battery: Are You Being Overcharged
How much are new car batteries? Well, here are the average costs based on the brands:
- BMW. The price of a modern automobile battery like a BMW battery is around £296.98, rising to £392.57 depending on the type, model, size, and make.
- Vauxhall. This varies in prices due to the extensive number of models on the market, but the typical cost is between £98.46 and £262.80.
- Volkswagen. The typical amount of a latest automotive battery for a VW ranges from £190.66 up to £320.66.
Check The Age Of Your Car Battery
Here’s how you can check the lifespan of your car battery:
- Electronic testing. You can use an electronic tester to see how much charge your battery has and get an idea of its condition. You can buy this tool from any good car accessory retailer.
- Corrosion. Open up the bonnet to check the condition of the battery. If you see corrosion on the terminals or stains on the battery casing, it could be leaking. It’s a good idea to consider replacing it if this is the case.
- Odd smell. If there’s an unusual smell coming from your car’s bonnet, this may be due to a failing battery.
Browse our latest deals and the affordable products we sell now by visiting the Orius Batteries store. We sell car batteries at competitive prices.