Battery Cable Replacement Cost Estimate
Worried you might overpay for your battery cable replacement? Use My Mechanic to get a fair cost estimate for your battery cable replacement.
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How much does it cost to replace a battery cable?
The average cost of replacing a battery cable typically vary depending on factors such as your mechanic's rates and the specific requirements of your vehicle.
How long does it take to replace a battery cable?
A certified mechanic usually completes the battery cable replacement job within 30 minutes to 2 hours. The process typically begins with a thorough inspection to diagnose any underlying issues. If a battery cable replacement is necessary, the mechanic will proceed with the service accordingly.
How did we estimate these prices?
My Mechanic experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all states in Malaysia, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified MyMechanic in Malaysia, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair.
What parts do I need for a battery cable replacement and how much do they cost?
Before proceeding with a battery cable replacement, it's essential to consult your owner’s manual or a mechanic for precise part requirements. However, here's a general breakdown of the components typically needed for replacing your car’s battery cables:
- Replacement battery cables:Battery cables are vital for enabling the electrical current to flow to the alternator, powering essential electronic systems such as the ignition system, ECM (Electronic Control Module), and lighting system. High-quality replacement cables from reputable sources are essential for reliable performance.
- Basic tools:To remove the old battery cables, you'll require basic tools including a screwdriver, socket wrench, wrench, and ratchet. These tools can range in price from 5 for a single tool to over 100 for a complete set. Trusted brands for essential tools include Craftsman, Tekton, and Kobalt.
Additionally, it's advisable to have a wire brush on hand to clean the car battery terminals before installing the new cables.
When it comes to replacing your battery cables, aftermarket parts will do the trick. They’re widely available from numerous retailers and are often significantly cheaper than buying OEM parts.
You can acquire battery cables through MyMechanic, a trusted source for automotive parts. Ensure to refer to your vehicle’s owner's manual for the specifications of your battery cables.
Where can i get my battery cable replaced?
Finding a mechanic to replace your battery cable can be challenging, especially if you don't have a trusted garage. However, you can get your battery cable replaced at MyMechanic in Malaysia. Additionally, consider using a service to compare prices from a wide range of reputable auto repair shops. This service assesses fair price estimates from each auto shop, taking into account their hourly labor rate. It also helps you determine if diagnostic fees are included in the service cost and provides honest reviews to aid in your decision-making process.
How did we vet these shops?
My Mechanic experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the Malaysia. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually.
How a Mechanic Replaces Your Battery
When a mechanic is replacing a failing automotive battery, they will follow these steps:
- Attach a temporary power source to the vehicle
- Identify the positive and negative posts and the respective cables
- Use a wrench to loosen the nut or bolt securing the negative terminal and cable to the negative battery post
- Use a terminal puller to remove the cable and terminal from the negative battery post, then repeat with the positive terminal
- Remove the clamp or tiedown system holding the battery in place
- Remove the battery
- Inspect and repair any corrosion
- Position the battery correctly—red with red, black with black
- Insert the new battery and secure it with the clamp or tiedown system
What happens if I don’t replace my battery?
A dying battery can hamper your car’s alternator, which can overload your vehicle’s electrical system, including the anti-theft system, shift interlock, and electronic fuel injection system. Simply put, your car’s battery is vital to the proper functioning and safety of your vehicle.
What is a car battery replacement?
The battery in a vehicle is designed to power all the electrical components in your vehicle. In simple terms, your car battery is the device that essentially starts a chain reaction inside your vehicle’s engine bay to start your car. The battery sends an electric current to your starting motor, which engages your vehicle’s ignition and fuel systems. When your car battery ages and its capacity decreases, you might run into problems on the road, including trouble starting your car as well as issues with the vehicle’s electrical components. When this happens, you’ll need to replace it.
There are two main types of batteries: flooded and AGM batteries. Most modern cars use flooded cell batteries, which have a liquid electrolyte and can be replenished with distilled water. Sealed versions where the liquid doesn’t need replacing have become popular in recent years.
How do I know if my car battery capacity is decreasing or dead?
There are a few tell-tale signs that your car battery needs replacing:
- Your car won’t start: As your car battery ages, the cranking amps required to start it can drop. If they fall below the threshold needed to start your battery (and thus your car) and you can’t jump start it, you won’t be going anywhere until you replace your battery.
- Warning light: If you see a battery warning light illuminated on your car’s display, that’s a sign that your battery is failing. Bring your car to a mechanic to run tests to see how much life (if any) your battery has left to live.
- Electrical components not working: Another key sign of battery failure is if any key electrical components—your vehicle’s anti-theft system, for example—stop working. Usually, this happens as a battery decays and its voltage output drops.
How often should a car battery be replaced?
As with any other vehicle part, the battery will eventually need replacing—usually every four to seven years. When your car battery ages and its capacity decreases, you might run into problems on the road, including trouble starting your car and issues with the vehicle’s electrical components.
Can I replace my car battery myself?
Replacing your car’s battery is a simple process that takes just a few tools and a few minutes. Whether you have auto repair experience or not, you can easily find instructions on the web for disconnecting an older battery and reconnecting a new one. If you’re not comfortable performing a battery change or you have an electric vehicle (EV), it’s best to ask for help from a professional.
Replacing an EV battery is more complicated and likely can’t be done at home. Instead, you’ll need to book a replacement service with a professional. In most cases, your electric car battery will be covered under the warranty offered by your dealership.
FAQs
Although it’s possible to drive with a bad battery, it’s not recommended. A bad battery interrupts the function of the alternator, which can overload your vehicle’s electrical system. Because the battery is vital to the proper function and safety of your vehicle, you should replace your battery immediately if it’s starting to fail.
The average new car battery lasts about three years, but it can range from two to six years depending on the battery and your driving habits. After three years, you may start to see a measurable decrease in performance. You can gauge the life of your battery by looking at its warranty.
The battery is responsible for powering your car while it’s running. If it dies, your vehicle will eventually shut off.
If you're wondering whether your car battery is completely gone, here are some symptoms to keep an eye out for:
- Corrosion on the battery connectors
- Warped battery case
- Rotten egg smell under the hood
- Dim headlights
- Electrical issues
- Slow-starting engine
- Frequent jumps
- Check engine light illuminated
- Clicking when you turn the key in the ignition
