Your Local Mechanic Shop
The key to local mechanic shops is whether or not you can trust them. If you have a good relationship with your local shop, they are great options that are significantly cheaper than dealerships. However, they dont always offer warranties and dont always stand by their work.
This means that if you get unlucky and take it to a shady local shop, you might end up getting ripped off.
But if you do have a good local mechanic, they might be ASE certified, just like the mechanics at the dealership. They will usually do an entire system check for you, ensuring that your starter, alternator, and battery are all good to go.
And if your car is due for an oil change or any other kind of routine preventative maintenance, the local shop is usually more than happy to tie it into your battery replacement. But just like at a dealership, if your local shop gets too busy, they might not be able to fit you in right away.
That will leave you waiting until they have an opening until you can get your car back. Even worse, youll probably have to get your vehicle to the dealership, and if you cant get it started because of a dead battery, this might just be one more headache you dont want to deal with.
About Walmart Auto Services
Walmart may be better known as a retail giant, but it has branched out to do some basic auto maintenance. Walmart Auto Services can present buyers with great deals with their Walmart Auto Services prices. Their services are pretty basic though and if you want something more thorough, you will need to go to a professional garage.
Walmart Auto Services sells basic auto-parts and provides some basic repair and maintenance services. If you dont have the time or know-how, you can turn to Walmart Auto Services to do it for you.
Walmart focuses on three basic services. First, there is the tire change services at $12 per tire. Next, theres the battery change, with free installation. Finally, theres oil and lube services for just around twenty dollars. Additional services are possible, like headlight installation and more. They are all set at affordable prices so that you would be able to save on these basic repairs and maintenance.
Above are the latest Walmart Auto Services prices.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Battery
Regardless of the type of vehicle you drive, your local dealership service department, auto parts store or local automotive specialists offer battery replacements and check-ups to quickly replace your battery and have you on your way. Typically, prices range from $145 to $250, depending on power, size, and quality. In many cases, no appointments are necessary
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How To Get Free Battery Fitting At Walmart
I love Walmart! Is there anything they dont sell? While Walmart sells a massive range of car care products, it must be said unless your local Walmart store has an Auto Care Center attached, you wont be able to avail of the great free fitting service they provide. You can check for your nearest Walmart Auto Care Center here.
So that said, how do you get Walmart to fit your car battery for free? Simply buy your new car battery from them and theyll be happy to fit it FOC. Okay, but what if you already bought a new battery from another store, yep theyll fit that too, but theyll charge you a fee of $10.
Im a mechanic for twenty-five years plus and I can tell you without hesitation, these Walmart prices are hard to beat. I think they represent amazing value for money, and the great deals dont stop there, they offer a ton of other auto care services at knock-out prices. You can check out the complete list here.
Heres a list of the battery services they offer and the prices.
| Battery Service |
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When Do I Need A New Car Battery
In this instance, Battery refers to the small, square battery that sits under the hood or trunk of most cars. Usually, these are lead-acid batteries and they do everything from start the car to run the accessories like the radio, wipers, and/or headlights and taillights. Were not talking about a large lithium-ion battery that powers an all-electric car.
The more comfortable our vehicles become, the more stress we place on our batteries. It just stands to reason that with all the electronics to be found on a vehicle air conditioning, climate control, infotainment systems, hybrid power drives, power-operated accessories that a properly operating battery is even more critical to vehicle reliability. Stir in the higher and lower extreme temperature climates that we require our vehicles to weather, and you have a perfect environment for battery failure.
It is important to also note that all those accessories you plug into your vehicles USB and cigarette lighter power ports, those things that entertain you and keep you connected, also take a toll on battery life. Modern vehicles with cell phone charging pads draw more power than cable systems, so while theyre convenient, know that theyre battery discharge points if the vehicle is not running. In the past, it was common for owners to leave headlights on or a door slightly ajar and later find their battery is dead.
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Changing A Car Battery
While changing a battery, a good technician will clean off the clamps to make sure there’s good contact between the battery terminals and the cables that deliver the punch to the starter. Even some corrosion can rob enough power to prevent the car from starting. Ask for a good protective spray to be the final touch of any surface. This protection will slow down the corrosion that will build up on the connections. A little extra work on the installation will really add up when it gets chilly.
Previously Evs Pitched Price Against Range
Until the last few years, electric vehicles were either expensive and aimed at affluent luxury buyers, or cheaper but with limited travel ranges. For example, a base version of Tesla’s Model 3, the lowest-price model from the top-selling EV brand in the US, starts at more than $48,000 . A larger Tesla Model X SUV starts at over $120,000 .
The only EVs with starting prices under $30,000 now are versions of the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Bolt. Both are smaller than a typical gas-powered compact SUV. The Mini Cooper Electric, Mazda MX30 and Hyundai Kona Electric are in the $30,000s, according to US online car retailer Edmunds.
Kia’s Niro EV, Hyundai’s Ioniq 5, Ford’s F-150 Lightning pickup, the Volkswagen ID.4, Kia EV6, Toyota b24x, Ford’s Mustang Mach E, Audi’s Q4 e-tron, the Subaru Solterra, Polestar 2, and Tesla Model 3 all have starting prices in the $40,000s.
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Just How Much Does A Car Battery Cost
Because car batteries play such a crucial function in cars, you might be under the impression that purchasing one is going to set you back a fair bit of money. If you happen to have a high-end car, you might invest a little fortune in changing the car battery. However, if you only need to put a standard battery into your car, your battery cost isnt going to be all that high.
While the exact car battery price that youll need to pay will differ based upon which battery you choose, the common car battery price is someplace between $50 and $220. Thats not pricey at all when you think that your car battery is among the most important elements of your whole car.
The Brand Of The Battery
Battery manufacturing can vary significantly from brand to brand. Some manufacturers use premium materials to ensure greater performance and long-lasting use. Car batteries from high-end brands may cost more up front, however, in the long run, they could be a more cost-effective option since they may offer longer use than some cheaper brands. On the other hand, there are plenty of trusted car battery brands that offer more affordable solutions.
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When Is It Time To Get A New Car Battery
It’s easy to forget that you need to replace your car battery every few years. You never really have to think about it until it dies, but when it does, it can be a real inconvenience. Not with Wrench! Get in contact with us and we will send a new battery and a qualified, well prepared mobile mechanic to your location.
Your battery may be giving you signs that it is time to get a new one without you even realizing it. It is important to recognize the signs and take action before you are left stranded. Here are some of the signs that it’s time to get a new car battery.
How Does A Battery Work
Your vehicle battery provides the electrical energy necessary to start the engine and to provide engine-off accessory power, when needed. Once the engine is running, the alternator takes over to power the accessories and recharge the battery. Vehicle batteries typically feature six connected cells in a lead-acid formulation, or up to 12 cells in a 24-volt system used in heavy trucks or other large vehicles. Know that even electric vehicles use a conventional battery to power accessories when the electric motor that drives the vehicle is not operating.
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Should You Purchase A Cheap Car Battery
Despite the fact that the car battery expense isnt that high, there are individuals out there who will do almost anything to cut down on how much they invest in their vehicle. That in some cases means putting a cheap car battery into their vehicle when they have an old battery that will have to be changed. In some circumstances, individuals will be able to find car batteries that cost under $50.
In theory, this may seem like a terrific idea to you. Itll prevent you from needing to pay an arm and a leg for a brand-new car battery and get you the battery that your vehicle needs. However, it might come at a higher cost in the long run. Your $50 car battery may just last you a year or 2 before it begins creating issues once again. It may also be made by a maker thats not all that concerned about helping you if you encounter any issues with your car battery.
Instead of going the low-cost path, you have to always go the reputable path when it concerns car batteries. Youll feel a lot better about driving your vehicle around when you know that it has a premium battery in it. Itll make the slightly higher car battery cost that youll pay more than worth it.
Can I Get A Walmart Car Battery Replaced If I Have No Receipt
Walmart will exchange a bad car battery even if you have no receipt as long as the battery was bought at a Walmart store and is still under warranty.
The battery has a serial number label, and the store associate can use this number to determine when the battery was purchased.
If you are unsure how old your Walmart battery is, look at the month/year sticker on the battery.
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How Do I Replace A Car Battery Myself
A confident do-it-your-selfer can replace a vehicle battery. Start by checking your vehicle owners manual for the batterys proper size and location. Find the positive and negative posts. The positive post will have a red plastic cover over it. Look for a + sign stamped onto the battery or printed on a nearby label. Loosen the negative terminal bolt and remove the cable. Be sure not to touch the positive post. Once you loosen the bolt, use a terminal puller to remove the cable. Repeat the sequence with the positive post.
Now remove the clamp or retaining system that keeps the battery in place. Carefully lift out the old battery. Look for any corrosion on the cables and remove it with a wire brush or terminal cleaning tool.
Drop in the new battery so that the positive post lines up with the red cable. Secure it with the battery retaining clamp that you removed earlier. If the battery has anti-corrosion washers, put them in place now and use a thin layer of anti-corrosion grease to prevent buildup. Tighten the positive cable and then do it all over again with the negative black cable.
Make sure the battery is secure and congratulations: youve replaced your cars battery!
If you need more help, be sure to read our full article about battery maintenance and replacement.
How Do I Jump Start A Car
The next time you insert the key or push the ignition button and nothing happens, follow these simple steps or visit our how to jump start a car battery guide with pictures and video
- Pull the jumper cables out of your trunk and find another car that can give you a jump.
- Put both vehicles in park and shut off the ignition.
- Attach one of the red clips to the positive terminal on your dead battery and the other red clip to the red POS post on the good battery. If you need help figuring out which terminal is which, look for POS or +.
- Attach the black clip to the negative terminal of the good battery.
- DO NOT attach the black clip to the black battery post on the dead battery. Sparking could ignite the dead batterys electrolyte fumes. Instead, clip the other black clip to a clean, unpainted metal surface under the hood.
- Start the vehicle with the good battery and let it run for approximately five minutes. Even though the other vehicle isnt running yet, this will put some charge into its dead battery.
- Now try to start the vehicle with the dead battery.
- If the engine doesnt turn over, it may need to build up more charge. Rev up the donor engine so that its battery delivers more amperage in the process. Then try again.
- If it starts, dont turn it off quite yet. Drive a while. The alternator may be able to recharge the battery on its own. If not, the battery charge is too low, and you need a replacement.
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Us Tax Credits Could Make Evs More Affordable
Some EVs could get a whole lot cheaper in the US, too, with federal tax credits of up to $7,500 starting next year as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. But meeting federal requirements may be difficult.
The vehicles and batteries have to be assembled in North America, and the new law phases in requirements that battery minerals and parts have to come from the continent. Most minerals such as lithium, a key battery ingredient, are now imported from China and other countries.
The Equinox checks the North American assembly box. It will be made in Mexico. The company won’t say where the battery will be made, but GM has announced three joint-venture battery factories in the US, including one that’s operating already in Warren, Ohio.
From there, GM is working on meeting the other criteria for getting the tax credit. “We’re really working through the rules and the regulations right now,” says Steve Majoros, vice president of marketing for Chevrolet. “We think it’s all lining up nicely, but more details to come on that.”
Majoros hinted that it may take a couple of years to meet all the government’s requirements to get the full credit as GM takes more control of its supply chain for EV parts.
The New Batteries That Will Make You An Electric Car Believer
Once just science projects, these new batteries are about to reinvent EVs.
Brian Cooley
Editor at Large
Brian Cooley is CNET’s Editor at large and has been with the brand since 1995. He currently focuses on electrification of transportation as host of CNET’s Electrified series but also follows the big trends in smart home, digital healthcare, the future of food, and augmented and virtual realities. Cooley is a sought after presenter by brands and their agencies when they want to understand how consumers react to new technologies. He was born and raised in Silicon Valley when Apple’s campus was mostly apricots.
Longer range, faster charging, less range degradation and a lower sticker price: That’s all that new battery technologies are to bring to electric cars. And while, on a practical basis, I remain more enthused about charging developments like GM’s recent expansion with Pilot and EVgo or Tesla Superchargers embracing the world, here are some new battery technologies that are strong rivals for my enthusiasm.
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