If you’ve recently needed to replace a car battery, you’ve definitely noticed they’ve gone up in price. Over the past ten years, lead-acid battery prices have risen. What is the cause of the price increase?
We got in touch with the business organization Battery Council International, whose members blame the COVID-19 effect as well as rising expenses for labor, materials, and transportation. Additionally, they claimed that buyers are picking battery models at the top of the “excellent, better, best spectrum,” which are more expensive.
Furthermore, according to Bill Nonnamaker, vice president of major battery producer Stryten Energy, “Today’s enhanced battery designs generally require more raw materials and a longer manufacturing process to achieve the improved performance requirements to power the computerization in today’s vehicles.
Nonnamaker continued, “Consumers are seeing increased pricing for batteries on the shelf due to the mix of upgraded cells required to power today’s vehicles and the rising costs to manufacture batteries.
Our yearly tests have increased, with the average cost rising progressively and presently averaging $156. According to our tested models, absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries have become more popular as a way to meet the demands of contemporary, electric-intensive vehicles. The electrolyte solution is moved between the flimsy battery plates of these expensive, maintenance-free batteries using a glass mat separator. Compared to conventional lead-acid (also known as “flooded”) batteries, AGM batteries are designed to withstand multiple draining and recharging cycles better.
The good news is that the extra cost associated with an AGM actually benefits the consumer, Stockburger continues. However, although sometimes costing twice as much as conventional batteries, AGM batteries won’t last twice as long.
Thankfully, there are still some affordable lead-acid and AGM batteries that operate well. View our tests’ findings for the most affordable automobile batteries.
In This Article...
How much does a new battery cost for a Kia?
How much would a new battery cost for my Kia? Prices for a replacement automobile battery varies from roughly $45 to $250 depending on power, size, and quality. You may get a new car battery installed or have your present battery checked at your neighborhood dealership, auto parts store, or automotive service facility.
Which battery brand does Kia use?
All Kia vehicles use Interstate batteries that were custom designed for them. Hyundai automobiles may also use Interstate batteries from Kia.
How long do the batteries in Kia cars last?
Kia batteries typically last 3-5 years, although this might vary based on factors like driving patterns, weather, and battery type. By: Regularly testing your battery, you can increase its lifespan.
Why are 2020 automobile batteries so pricey?
If you’ve recently had to replace a car battery, you’ve probably noticed that they’ve gone up in price. In actuality, over the previous ten years, battery prices have risen. Consumer Reports looks at the causes of the price increase and offers some cost-cutting ideas.
Most likely, you were raised around a lead-acid, or “flooded,” battery. However, absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries are already standard in many new vehicles. However, AGM batteries use a glass mat separator to let an electrolyte solution pass between the thin battery plates, whilst some lead-acid batteries have been improved with cutting-edge materials and design. They are hence suitable for frequent emptying and recharging.
Why do automakers use these newer, pricier batteries? Modern high-tech automobiles require more electrical power. As automotive technology advances, cars require an increasing amount of electric power to run features like stop/start technology, convenience and safety systems, and all the extra power outlets for charging our devices.
Unsurprisingly, the cost of these improved batteries is also improved. AGM batteries can cost between $200 and $300, which is double the price of conventional lead-acid batteries. As a result, you want to be sure you’re purchasing a long-lasting AGM battery.
Do Kia warranties cover batteries?
A limited warranty covering the original equipment battery is in place for 36 months or 36,000 miles. A damaged battery will be replaced free of charge for the first 36 months or 36,000 miles of the warranty period. Kia will pay for the costs of battery replacement, installation, and diagnostics.
What should the price of a car battery be?
Price of a Car Battery on the Average Depending on the battery type, environment, and vehicle, car batteries normally last between two and five years. You can anticipate paying between $50 and $120 for a normal car battery and between $90 and $200 for a premium version, depending on the make and model of your automobile.
What Kia vehicles are being recalled?
According to Consumer Reports, the following vehicles have been recalled: the 20162018 Hyundai Santa Fe, 20172018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL, the 20142015 Hyundai Tucson, 20142016 Kia Sportage SUVs, and the 20162018 Kia K900 sedan.
How much does a Kia Sorento battery cost?
Estimated price for replacing the Kia Sorento battery. A Kia Sorento battery replacement typically costs between $219 and $226. While parts are priced at $191, labor expenses are predicted to range between $27 and $34. Taxes and other fees are not included in this range, nor are your particular model year or geographic area taken into account.
Dim Headlights
You’ll notice that all of your car’s electrical systems are compromised if your battery is failing. You might notice that your car’s headlights dim as you’re driving about in it. Then, when you accelerate, they instantly become brighter once more.
This is a blatant sign that your car’s battery needs to be replaced. Please change the battery right away if you detect this behavior in your car’s headlights. You can avoid becoming stranded and in need of a restart by acting quickly.
Windows Work Slowly
Try rolling down your windows after the engine is off. Does it take a really long time? One of the subtle warning signs that your battery might need to be changed is this. Of course, there are additional causes of sluggish moving windows, including broken track guides, worn window regulators, and defective window motors. But you need to change your battery if your automobile is exhibiting any of the symptoms mentioned in this article.
Corrosion Is Visible
The battery should be free of debris when you lift the hood of your car. Although a slight patina is normal, your battery shouldn’t have significant corrosion. You might see corrosion on your battery for a number of causes, including escaping gases, leaking electrolytes, and, of course, an old battery.
Whatever the cause, you need to deal with it right away. Your battery needs to be replaced as soon as you see the granular buildup.
Flickering Dashboard Lights
Your battery powers several other electrical systems in your car, such the dashboard, in addition to being responsible for starting the engine. Flickering dashboard lights are more likely a symptom that your battery is running low than a problem with the dashboard itself.
If you notice this, get a battery as soon as you can. If you wait too long, your battery will expire, and you can wind up needing a ride to your nearby dealer.
Engine Is Slow to Start
You most likely need a new battery if it takes your automobile a few seconds to start. One of the many parts that make sure your engine runs is your battery. Your vehicle’s starter and ignition system are powered by a car battery. The flywheel is subsequently spun by the starter, starting your engine. It’s likely that your battery is dead if it takes your engine a few seconds to start.
It’s time to change your automobile battery if you see any of these five symptoms. Contact Crain Kia of Fort Smith to have your new car battery installed right away!
How is a Kia battery checked?
Here’s how to check a car battery’s voltage: To 20V DC on your multimeter. The positive terminal of the battery, denoted by a + sign or red cover, should receive the red positive multimeter lead. On the negative terminal of the battery, attach the black negative multimeter lead. On the multimeter, read the measurement that was output.
Should I change the battery in my car before it dies?
You turn the ignition key, but your car won’t start and roar to life. When you get to this point, you could feel upset and frustrated over not knowing when to change your car’s battery. You can prevent things like this by being aware of the typical battery life. You can get a replacement battery before the life of your car’s battery is exhausted rather than waiting until it dies.
An expiration date is inscribed on every car battery. These numbers can also be used to determine when you should replace your automobile battery. This date specifies how long retailers and auto repair businesses can sell the battery to their clients. Although a car battery’s lifespan normally extends above this point, it is better to purchase and install a new one before you do. By doing this, you can maximize the life of your battery and never worry about your car not starting when you need it.
In the cold, most people worry about their battery life. Being stuck in a cold environment might result in prolonged, risky exposure to the elements. However, the Car Care Council asserts that summer heat increases the likelihood that a car battery’s usual life may shorten. As temperatures rise, your battery’s performance may deteriorate more quickly. This is why, regardless of the season or even if the date inscribed on the casing implies a longer life, it is advised to replace your car batteries every two to three years.
Your driving style can affect a lot of different features of your car. For instance, if you frequently break hard, your brakes may need to be replaced more frequently and you risk wearing down your tires excessively. Your battery is the same. Frequent starting and stopping of your car can reduce the battery life. The age of your automobile, the total amount of miles you drive, and the electrical equipment you utilize while driving are other factors that affect when to replace your car battery.
Avoid the error of not replacing your automobile battery until it is completely dead. In fact, it’s preferable to think about replacing it far before it approaches the end of its useful life. To avoid ever being stranded with a car that won’t start, it is important to understand the lifespan of a car battery as well as the factors that contribute to its energy loss.
What is the price of a Tesla battery?
The ideal price for a Tesla battery replacement is between $13,000 and $14,000. A Tesla battery replacement for a Model S luxury automobile can run between $13,000 and $20,000. The Model 3 entry-level sedan and Model X premium SUV’s batteries can be replaced for at least $13,000 and $14,000, respectively.