Typical Cost: Low (vehicles without stop/start) Medium (vehicles with stop/start)
Mobile Repair? Yes
Typical Lead Time: 2 - 24 hours
The vehicle's battery is the power storage unit for starting its engine. It’s location, be it under the bonnet, under the seats or in the boot is vital to the vehicle's operation and without its successful recharging once the engine is running, will leave you unable to restart the engine after the next time it’s stopped.
These days, with more and more cars and vans being equipped with an automatic stop/start system to reduce emissions, having a battery that is in top condition is becoming even more important and also more expensive.
The majority of batteries used in cars and vans are 12v, which in essence means they comprise 6 cells with 2 plates per cell. One of the plates is made from lead and one from lead dioxide and are submerged in a sulphuric acid formula (known as electrolyte) which sets off a reaction on the lead dioxide plate and produces ions. These ions cause the lead plate to produce hydrogen and a lead sulphate.
The end result is a chemical reaction that produces electrons and these electrons generate electricity, which then comes out the positive terminal of the battery and flows round in a circuit back through the negative terminal. On the way round it can power a multitude of items, from the starter motor to the glove box light!
By applying a current to the battery in the right voltage, the battery can then be recharged.
In traditional wet flooded batteries and the newer enhanced flooded batteries (EFB) the electrolyte is in liquid form. In AGM batteries, the electrolyte is in gel form or in an advanced glass matt - hence AGM.
Changing a battery is a routine repair for all mechanics and can be done both kerbside as well as in the workshop, providing it is safe to do so. Due to the disconnection of the old battery and the connection of the new one, your radio code may be lost. It is important that you have this to hand and give it to the mechanic should they need to input the code into the radio in order for it to work.
Whilst there are variations between manufacturers, the basics are pretty similar.
The mechanic will;
Unless otherwise stated, the quote for your battery to be replaced will cover;
Battery replacement (vehicles without stop/start system)
Battery replacement (vehicles with stop/start system)
The cost of a battery replacement depends on your car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends.
Find out what you could save by visiting ClickMechanic
https://www.clickmechanic.com/jobs/car-battery-replacement
No, we will not fit customer supplied parts unless they are a brand new item, purchased from a dealership with the receipt as proof of purchase. There is no flexibility over this due to insurance and warranty issues.
In this scenario, the mechanic will provide a no obligation quote for the correct repair. Should you accept this, the mechanic can alter the booking accordingly. If you decide not to go ahead with the alternative repair, the mechanic can change the booking to a call out and diagnostic booking and charge according to the time spent with the vehicle and call out.
Battery condition check
Battery warning light inspection
Battery cable replacement
Alternator replacement
Starter motor replacement
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