One of the frustrating thing about being the proud owner of a car, is just how many extra costs are involved. You need to pay your tax, insurance, and of course you need to keep it roadworthy; not to mention the cost of fuel. Overtime, a car can cost you a ridiculous amount of money, all the while the value is decreasing.
But hey…that’s just the way it is! It’s the price we pay for the convenience of being able to get from A to B with ease. Just imagine if we had to walk everywhere in Australia? No thank you!
How much do car batteries cost in Australia?
But much is a car battery, how expensive are they? What is the average cost of a car battery in Australia? And is it worth buying cheap car batteries over the more expensive ones? How expensive is too expensive? In this article, we will explore it in further detail so that you can make a more informed decision when you’re all out of juice!
What is the average cost of a car battery in Australia?
So how much do car batteries cost? How expensive are car batteries in Australia? Well, it’s all about perspective. The fact is, you don’t have to spend much money on a car battery at all. In fact, for just $40, you can have your car battery replaced with a used one. Sure, you won’t get much life out of it, and you are always taking a risk buying a second hand product. However, at least your immediate problem will be fixed.
Then of course, there are the premium car batteries, which can cost anywhere from $175, right up to $1,500 and beyond! But is it worth it? What do you gain from spending all of the extra cash? Again, it’s all about perspective.
Often, the best approach is to find the middle ground. Buying a second-hand battery may save you money in the short term, but in the long term, you may end up having to spend even more money.
The same applies with going for the lower-end of the standard car battery options. Just because you can pick one up for around $100, it doesn’t mean that it is going to be the most cost-effective option for you.
Ideally, finding a good deal on a premium car battery can be a sound investment for your car.
Cheap Car Battery Cost VS Expensive Car Battery Cost
Is it really worth spending say, $300 on a car battery, when you can pick one up for $80? Is it really going to make all that much of a difference? Well, the answer is yes. It does make a difference. Like most things, the quality of an item—especially the internal components—is vital to longevity.
In cheaper car batteries, the cheap parts can lead to the acid sweating out of the battery. This will result in a chemical reaction causing the battery itself to corrode. This corrosion can then spread into the cables, causing all-manner of unnecessary problems.
We understand the desire to want to save as much money as you can. However, the problem with that, is you almost always end up spending more money than you need to in the long-run.
In fact, it’s a common enough sales tactic that many industries use. They have their cheap products, and their premium products. Most people will go for the cheaper option, which always seems like a good idea at the time. However, the way they make their money, is when you invariably have to come back for a replacement, or even further repairs!
Then on the other hand, there is the premium option, which tends to be an excellent long-term investment. Either way, the seller is making money.
Buying brand-new car batteries in Australia
When purchasing a car battery, it is definitely worth going for a brand-new item. What you don’t want is to purchase a battery that has been sitting on the shelf, so, always make sure that you check the date of manufacture. That way, you can tell as to whether or not the battery has been sat collecting dust for months on end before making a purchase.
Going brand-new is a good way of avoiding this problem.
You should also be mindful of how much warranty you will be getting. The average warranty on a car battery is around 3-4 years. This is ideal. If, however, the car battery that you are looking at comes with less than 3 years’ warranty, put it back!
What other details are important to note when buying a car battery?
Keep an eye out for the reserve capacity rating. This shows how long the battery will be able to keep the electrical components in your vehicle operating, even after the charging system fails you. This measurement is in minutes, listed on the battery. For example, a car battery that was a reserve capacity rating of 90, means that for 90 minutes after the battery charging system failed, you will have an hour and a half to get to your nearest garage, or back to the safety of your home. These are unlikely events, but it is handy to know that if in the event of an emergency, that you are covered.
Conclusion
So, what do we conclude when it comes to cheap car batteries vs expensive car batteries? Always spend that little bit extra if you can. Going for the cheapest option only appears to be saving you money. In the long-run, you’ll likely have to fork out even more money than you can afford.
It’s best to bite the bullet and invest in a car battery that is going to serve you better, for longer. A brand-new premium car battery will take you so much further than a cheap second hand one.
If you ever get lost and need some advice on the best type of battery for your car, simply contact a dedicated car battery dealer such as G7 Battery, for some expert advice on quality products.
In any case, stay safe out there!
