Car Battery Fitting & Replacement
With over 150 centres nationwide, ATS Euromaster offers expert car battery fitting wherever you are. Book online to secure a slot at your local centre and get free fitting included with every battery purchase. You’ll also benefit from exclusive online prices and trusted service backed by 50 years of battery know-how.
Do I need to replace my car battery?
Most car batteries last between 3 and 5 years. but warning signs can appear well before that. If your car is slow to start, or you hear a clicking sound from the starter motor, the battery may be struggling to hold charge. You might also notice dim headlights, malfunctioning electrical systems—like the radio, wipers or air conditioning—or a dashboard warning light.
A more serious sign is a strong, sulphur-like smell (similar to rotten eggs), which can indicate the battery is overcharging and the internal acid is boiling. If this happens, stop using the vehicle and get it checked straight away. Overcharging can damage not only the battery but also other components.
Since modern batteries power far more than just ignition, a drop in their performance can affect everything from sensors to stop-start systems. If your battery is over three years old or showing any of these symptoms, it’s worth having it tested. A quick check at your local centre will show whether it needs replacing or simply recharging.
Why do car batteries fail?
Battery failure is one of the most common reasons for roadside breakdown, responsible for over 60,000 recovery call-outs a year in petrol and diesel vehicles. Several factors can cause this, and many are avoidable.
The most frequent issue is age. Over time, batteries naturally lose their ability to hold a charge. Extreme weather is another big factor. Cold starts in winter require more power, while high summer temperatures can cause internal fluid loss. Both conditions put extra strain on your battery.
Leaving a vehicle unused for long periods also drains the charge, especially in modern cars where electrical systems remain active even when parked. And one of the most avoidable causes: accidentally leaving the lights on.
Flat or failing batteries can also result from poor connections or faulty alternators. Regular checks help catch these problems early, before they turn into a breakdown.
Battery failure is behind more than 60,000 annual roadside recoveries in petrol and diesel cars. It’s a common cause of breakdown — and in many cases, preventable. The main culprit is age. As a battery gets older, it naturally loses its ability to hold charge.
But weather can speed up that decline:
- Winter cold increases the power needed to start the engine.
- Summer heat causes internal fluid loss, weakening the battery further.
Infrequent use is another factor. Modern cars continue to draw power even when parked, so long periods without driving can drain the battery. Then there are simple mistakes, like forgetting to switch off the headlights.
Some issues are more technical:
Loose or corroded terminals can disrupt power delivery.
A faulty alternator might stop the battery from recharging properly.
Routine checks help catch these problems early, keeping you on the road and out of trouble.
Car battery fitting appointments near you
We have over 150 centres throughout the UK with hourly car battery replacement and fitting appointments available.
Exclusive online car battery prices
Buy a car battery online today and you'll benefit from our exclusive online prices.
Over 50 years of expertise
We've been fitting car batteries for over 50 years and our technicians are some of the best trained in the country.
Popular car batteries
BATTERY 096AGM 3YR/ 760A (EN)
AGM096E 12V Calcium Grid Lead Acid Car Battery With 3 Year Warranty.
Buy online
BATTERY 100AFB/ECM 3Y/650A EN
AFB100E 12V Calcium Grid Lead Acid Car Battery With 3 Year Warranty.
Buy online
BATTERY 110AFB/ECM 3Y/730A EN
AFB110E 12V Calcium Grid Lead Acid Car Battery With 3 Year Warranty.
Buy online
BATTERY 019 5YR/ 850A (EN)
019SPPLA 12V Calcium Grid Lead Acid Car Battery With 5 Year Warranty.
Buy online
Different Types of Car Batteries
There are different types of car battery available because different cars have varying power needs. We stock a range of different car batteries so that you can find the right replacement for your vehicle.
If you're unsure which battery your car needs, simply put your registration number into our battery finder tool and we'll make recommendations based on your vehicle's details. The following types of car battery are currently available to buy:
AFB/ECM Car Batteries
AFB/ECM car batteries (Advanced/Enhanced Flooded Battery) are long lasting and have high performance. They are suitable for small and mid-size cars.
AGM Car Batteries
AGM batteries (Absorbent Glass Mat) are high performance, reliable batteries. They suit larger, more powerful vehicles that are likely to have higher electrical needs.
Stop Start Car Batteries
Stop start car batteries are designed to be used in cars that use stop start technology. They help with the additional electrical demand of stop start technology.
What is the difference between a car battery and a leisure battery?
Car batteries and leisure batteries are designed for very different roles—and they aren’t interchangeable.
A car battery is found in all types of vehicles, from everyday cars to vans and trucks. Its main job is to start the engine by delivering a high burst of power. Once the engine is running, the alternator supports electrical systems like the lights, dashboard and ignition control with surplus being used to recharge the battery.
A leisure battery, on the other hand, is used in caravans, campervans or motorhomes. It powers onboard electrical features like lights, TVs and fridges when the vehicle’s engine is off. Unlike car batteries, it provides a steady current over a longer period and is designed to be discharged more deeply.
If you're planning a caravan trip, make sure both your car battery and leisure battery are in good condition. Each battery plays a different role, so it’s important to check both before you set off.
Find out more about Leisure Batteries.
FAQs - Car battery replacement
How much does a new car battery cost?
New car batteries cost, on average, between £60 and £300. Prices of car batteries usually depend on the type and size of battery that your vehicle requires. Use our handy Battery Finder tool at the top of this page to discover what size car battery you need and how much it costs.
How long should a car battery last?
Most car batteries last between three and five years, depending on driving habits, climate and vehicle use. Batteries in stop-start vehicles or cars used mainly for short journeys may wear out sooner due to frequent charge-discharge cycles.
Extreme weather, poor maintenance and infrequent use can also shorten a battery’s lifespan. If your battery is more than three years old or you're experiencing slow starts or warning lights, it's a good idea to have it tested.
Regular checks and using the correct battery type, such as part of a full service, help maximise service life. If you're unsure, book a free test at your local ATS Euromaster centre.
Which car battery do I need?
The right car battery depends on your vehicle’s make, model and engine type. Modern cars often require specific battery technologies, such as AGM or EFB, especially if they have stop-start systems or high electrical demand.
Using a battery with the wrong voltage, capacity or technology can affect performance and lead to early failure. That’s why it’s important to choose one that meets your manufacturer’s specifications.
Never attempt this if the battery is leaking or damaged. If you're unsure, it's safer to call a recovery service or visit your nearest ATS Euromaster centre for help.
How long does a battery replacement take at ATS Euromaster?
A typical car battery replacement at ATS Euromaster takes around 30 minutes. This includes removing the old battery, installing the new one, and running checks to ensure everything is working correctly.
If your vehicle has a stop-start system or complex electronics, the process may take slightly longer to ensure proper configuration and reset. All our replacements are handled by trained technicians using OEM-equivalent parts and professional tools.
You can book online and choose a time that suits you. Fitting is included in the price of your new battery.