car battery replacement & fitting

What is a car battery?

A car battery is a rechargeable power source that supplies electrical energy to start the engine and power the electrical systems and accessories in the vehicle. The car battery is responsible for powering all of the electric components in your car. This includes the:

• Starter motor

• Radio/speakers

• Air conditioning

• Electric windows

• Car alarm

Without a functional car battery, none of these features will work. And worst of all, you won't be able to get your car to start without battery power.

What's the difference between an electric car battery and a petrol/diesel car battery?

Petrol/diesel car batteries are small, lead-acid batteries designed to provide a quick burst of energy to start the engine and power accessories, while electric car batteries are large, lithium-ion batteries that store significant energy to power the vehicle over long distances.

Electric car batteries are much higher in capacity, weight, and voltage compared to petrol/diesel car batteries. Additionally, electric car batteries have sophisticated management systems and longer lifespans, but they require external charging infrastructure.

How long does a car battery last?

A car battery will have an expected lifespan of between 4 to 6 years. However, there are a few factors that come into play that could cause you to run into a dead battery much more quickly than this.

Leaving the radio or air conditioning on

If you leave your car radio, air conditioning or other electrics on overnight, there's a good chance that the battery will die. At that point, it's possible that a recharge is all you need. However, you may need to call out for a mobile mechanic in order to receive a mobile battery service, so try not to let this happen!

Not fitting the right battery

It's super important to make sure that you select the right battery for your vehicle. Otherwise, it's likely to drain more quickly or, worse, it can cause damage to other components of your engine.

Older cars or batteries

The simple fact of the matter is that if you have an old car battery, or just an old car, you'll run of juice more quickly. If your car battery is flat, it might not be a fault, it could just be age.

Other defective car parts

Problematic alternators and other engine parts can cause a total battery failure. That's why when we fit a new car battery, we'll check to make sure that things are running smoothly first.

How often should a car battery need replacing?

A car battery is to have an expected lifespan of between 4 to 6 years. This is dependent on several factors, for example, the quality of the battery, weather conditions, vehicle type, driving habits, vehicle type and, of course, the factors listed above.

The law, vehicle regulations, and your MOT

The physical condition of your battery will not cause your car to fail an MOT, but if the car won’t start, run or operate the electrical components properly because of your battery, then that will.

What happens in a car battery replacement service?

Here's a look at the Fixter replacement car battery service process.

• Our efficient and fully qualified mechanics will inspect your battery for correct operation, signs of corrosion and will be load tested to ascertain its ability to retain charge.

• Wherever required your battery will be replaced and you’ll be advised of any other connected or associated problems arising from its malfunction.

• You will also be advised of any other parts, for example, the cables, that may need to be replaced for the best operation and health of your vehicle.

• Once the battery has been replaced, our mechanics will test it thoroughly to ensure the correct running of your car and make any adjustments required for its premium operation.

What causes a car battery to stop working correctly?

Your battery is continually being charged by your car’s alternator while driving. Damage can prevent it from holding its charge, or it may just have reached the end of its life.

On occasions when there has been excessive electrical use without your battery being recharged, your battery will be drained. A drained battery will only require a recharge unless the battery is faulty and its failed operation was instrumental to the drain.

After prolonged use, a car battery can leak the acid that holds the electrical charge. This liquid will turn to a white or bluish powder where it dries, so it's fairly easy to spot.

Eventually, a battery will simply reach the end of its life. At this point, it’s time to organise a replacement.

Symptoms of a flat battery

If you're experiencing any of the following issues, there's a good chance you're going to need a new battery for your car.

Your car won’t start

If your car doesn’t start when you turn the ignition switch, especially when the engine doesn’t make any attempt to turn over, your battery could be flat.

None of the electrical components work

If the lights, fan, radio or any other electrical components in your car don’t turn on or operate, then your battery could be drained or damaged.

The terminals are corroded

If the terminals (connection points) on your battery are corroded, then your battery is likely to be damaged or worn out.

Your battery has powdery deposits on it

If there are white or blueish powdery deposits on any parts of the battery, this is a sign of acid leaking and incorrect operation of your battery.

How to book a new car battery fitting service online with Fixter?

Ready to replace your car battery online? Here's how to do that with Fixter.

1. Find a car battery replacement near you by entering your car registration number and postcode.

2. Pick a fitting date and time for your car battery to be replaced.

3. Fixter will then collect your car, fit the right replacement battery and get you back on the road in no time. It's as easy as that!