I called AAA and thought the quote was okay. There was this nasty green powder caked all over the red battery terminal. I was going to try to replace the battery myself but the old battery had corroded so much that I wasn’t able to remove the terminals with my pretty crummy tools at home. Car batteries are available through a wide variety of retailers, such as AutoZone, Pep Boys, Sears or Walmart.Consumer Reports has a car battery buying guide. Make sure the battery fits the climate and driving conditions as well as the vehicle make and model.And batteries are stamped with a date code, either on the case or attached label Consumer Reports recommends buying a fresh battery that is no more than six months from its manufactured date. Reserve capacity indicates how many minutes the vehicle should run on battery power alone, if the car's alternator fails.
A battery's cold-cranking amps rating measures its ability to start a car in cold weather, at about zero degrees F.
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This testing is free at most auto parts stores or departments, or car repair shops. The first step is to test the battery to see whether it simply needs recharging or should be replaced.Related articles: Oil Change, Flushing a Transmission, Tune-up, Wheel Alignment, Muffler, Towing a Car Prices for many car batteries have increased significantly in recent years, due in part to the rising cost of lead (a key component in most car batteries) and increasingly strict environmental, health and safety standards for manufacturing with lead.CostHelper readers who had their battery replaced at a car dealership reported costs of $90-$307, for an average price of $204. Car dealerships are typically the most expensive option for having a replacement battery installed.For example, CostHelper readers with AAA membership reported paying $97-$139 for on-the-spot battery testing and replacement, at an average cost of $119. An auto club tow truck may offer instant battery replacement instead of towing.Readers who had a battery installed for them at an independent repair shop, auto parts store or big box discount outlet paid $60-$180, or an average of $118. For example, from 2010 to 2012, CostHelper readers reported paying $52-$130 for a car battery with do-it-yourself installation, at an average cost of $86.With installation charges, taxes and recycling/core fees (which vary by state), the total cost for a replacement car battery can be $60-$300 or more. Most auto parts or discount big box stores provide free installation if the battery is purchased from them, while other battery retailers may charge $10-$100 or more for installation, depending on where the battery is located in the vehicle and their hourly labor rates. Depending on the make and model of the vehicle, expect to pay about $50-$120 for a typical car battery and $90-$200 or more for a premium battery with a longer warranty and better cold-weather performance, or one for a luxury vehicle.Cost of a Car Battery - Car Repair and Maintenance - CostHelper