How Much Does Car Battery Replacement Cost?

If you’ve been driving your vehicle for several years on Corona and Riverside roads, you may soon be wondering when to replace the car battery. And whenever the time arrives for a new battery, you’ll certainly want to know your expected car battery replacement cost.

Typically, car battery replacement service ranges from $75 – $200 for the car battery cost alone, before the cost of labor is factored in. Join our service team below for more information on battery replacement.

How Often to Replace a Car Battery

The answer for how often to replace a car battery can vary between drivers based on factors like driving conditions, climate, driving habits, and more. More than likely, you’ll experience some telltale signs that will tell you when to replace your car battery:

• Difficulty starting the vehicle
• The battery case is visibly swelling or appears bloated
• The battery service warning light comes on
• The battery’s fluids are low
• Fluid is leaking from the battery

Installing a Car Battery at Home

When you’re asking “How much is a car battery?”, a portion of the total service cost comes from the labor of installing the battery. Before labor is factored in, the car battery cost alone is pretty affordable for most vehicles, and a great way to keep that cost low is to install the battery yourself. Fortunately, it’s fairly easy to do!

1. First, locate the positive (red) and negative (black) battery posts.
2. Loosen the negative terminal bolt and remove the cable, being extremely careful not to let it touch the positive post, as this can cause sparks.
3. Repeat Step 2 on the positive post — loosen the bolt and remove the cable.
4. The next thing you need to do is remove the hold-down clamps, or whichever mechanism your car uses to hold the battery in place.
5. Lift the old battery out of your car.
6. Check both cables for corrosion; if you spot any, carefully clean it off using an appropriate tool.
7. Gently place the new battery into the vehicle, ensuring the positive post lines up with the red cable. Resecure the battery with the hold-down clamps or the other type of retaining mechanism that you removed in Step 4.
8. Carefully tighten the positive cable.
9. Then, carefully tighten the negative cable.
10. Check that the battery is secure in place before closing your hood.

How to Extend Your Car Battery’s Life

Car battery replacement costs aren’t as pricey as some other auto maintenance items, but you’ll still want to make sure you’re making the most of your investment! Here are a few practical tips to help your battery last as long as possible:

• If you only use your car for short trips around Ontario, make it a point to drive around for at least 30 minutes once a week or so to keep the battery fully charged.
• Don’t sit in the car with the lights or radio on when the engine is off.
• Park in a shady area when you can to prevent the battery from getting too hot.
• Every so often, check under the hood that the battery is secured in its compartment and not jostling around when you drive.
• Don’t allow corrosion to build up on the battery’s exterior.
• Don’t let your car go unused for extended periods; take it out at least once per week.
• Check the battery’s voltage on a monthly basis. A healthy battery should sit at around 12.7 volts or higher.

Save On Your BMW Battery Replacement Cost

Need car battery replacement service? Schedule an appointment at the BMW of Murrieta service center! We’ll have you in and out of our BMW certified service center in a timely manner. For a chance to save on your car battery replacement cost, be sure to check our ongoing service specials for related coupons.

Contact Us with Questions!

Unsure of how often to replace your car battery? Want to get a quote for your vehicle’s car battery replacement cost? Contact us to speak with a service advisor today. We’re here to help with expert service tips and advice!