Service, Repairs & MOT

Car battery replacement in Reading

Book an RAC Mobile Mechanic and we’ll come to you at home or work.

  • 12-months parts guarantee
  • Honest pricing
  • Exceptional customer service

£213.58

Average price for this repair in Reading in the last 30 days^

Trustpilot rating for all RAC Mobile Mechanics.

Why choose the RAC for a car battery replacement?

At the RAC, we've got over 125 years' experience helping UK drivers. We have the skills and knowledge to keep your vehicle running.

Plus, with RAC Mobile Mechanics, you can avoid the hassle of taking your vehicle to a garage when you need a repair. We’ll come to you, at your home or work.

Close up of an RAC Mobile Mechanic underneath a car

Our top pick in Reading

Our top pick

RAC Mobile Mechanic in Reading

At the RAC, we’ve got over 125 years’ experience in offering complete peace of mind to our members. We’re best known for our breakdown service. And now – our new RAC Mobile Mechanics are here to help make every day motoring easier. If you need a service or repair, they’ll come to you at your home or work.

Book a car battery replacement

If your car won’t start due to a dead or failing battery, our mobile mechanics can test your battery, provide a replacement, and install it on the spot at home or work, saving you the hassle of going to a garage.

We use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) standard parts, which means every new part will be the same standard and same quality as the original part it replaced.
Our mobile mechanics are friendly, honest, and backed by the RAC.
Close up of an RAC Mobile Mechanic running a vehicle diagnostic check

Book a diagnostic

For when you know something isn’t right, but you’re not sure what – our mobile mechanics are here to help.

We’ll look for any mechanical or electrical problems. If we need to, we’ll also check your car’s onboard engine management system. Depending on your car and issue, this will usually include: – Engine – Power steering – Brakes – Transmission – Exhaust system – Fuel injection system – Cooling system and air flow – Sensors
If we detect any issues, we'll talk through what needs to be repaired. We’ll give you a no-obligation quote to fix it on the spot, if we can. Or we’ll recommend a local RAC Approved Garage, and give you a full error report to take there.

And it’s not just car battery replacements that we do in Reading

Mobile mechanics bring the garage to you, saving you the hassle of getting your car to a garage. If you need a service or repair, they’ll come to you at your home or work.

Try one of our RAC Approved Garages

MD Tyres & Auto Services

5.0/5

MD Tyres is a fully authorised, independent MOT station serving Reading and surrounding areas for both class 4 and class 7 vehicles. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, you can rely on professional testing set out by our fully qualified MOT testers. With state of the art equipment, we can work on all makes and models of cars, vans and light commercial vehicles. At MD Tyres in Reading we provide high-quality tyres at unbeatable prices! Some of the tyre brands include Bridgestone, Continental, Davanti, Dunlop, Goodyear, Michelin, Pirelli along with a broad range of quality mid-range and economy tyres.
47 Loverock Road, Reading, RG301DZ

NK MOT LTD

4.6/5

At NK MOT Ltd we have experience in providing a comprehensive range of vehicle repairs and maintenance services as well as vehicle MOT tests to customers within the Reading area. We can undertake all classes of MOT’s, which include a free re-rest within the permitted time of 10 working days. Customer service is of paramount importance to us and we will only commence work once we have your consent. All work is undertaken using only OE parts and spares, at competitive prices. We have a team of 4 fully IMI qualified and experienced mechanics and engineers who can undertake all forms of mechanical repairs, maintenance work, servicing and MOT’s through to more complex engine rebuilds. All supplied and fitted parts come with a manufacturers guarantee, and we shall provide a labour guarantee to match this for your peace of mind. FREE vehicle collection and delivery is available for all local customers by appointment.
16 To 20 Longbarn Lane, Reading, RG27SZ

IN'n'OUT Autocentres Reading

4.4/5

At IN’n’OUT Autocentres we offer fixed prices MOTs and Servicing for any make and model of car with no hidden extras. We are proud to be a ‘Which? Trusted Trader’ so we are really a garage you can trust. We also have a 5 Star Trustpilot reviews rating. We provide OEM parts and 12 months warranty on all parts and servicing. We only use premium Castrol oils in all servicing. Our services are all completed ‘while-u-wait’ so you have never have the inconvenience of losing your car for the day. You can watch your car as it is being worked on through the viewing window or sit back and relax in our clean and comfortable customer lounges with FREE Wi-Fi and coffee and read the latest magazines. Check out our latest reviews and BOOK NOW!!
Unit 6 Trade City, Sentinel End, Reading, RG20BF

WAC Automotive Engineers, Bosch Car Service

4.0/5

Based in the Reading area and comprising of Full Service, Repair and MOT garage and We offer Full Dealer Level Diagnostics, and Vehicle Body and Accident repair centre. We are just on the edge of Reading town centre in Suttons Business Park. The oldest company in the group is Car Gears, established in 1982 that specialise in manual and automatic Gearbox repairs and reconditioning. We also have a Auto Parts Trade Counter which operates at the Reading Counter supplying car and vehicle parts, oils Paint, Consumables and accessories to both the trade and public throughout Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Surrey, Hampshire, Middlesex, Sussex, Wiltshire, and London. We Offer free collection and delivery to all our clients upto 50 mile radius from our Bosch Reading
49, Sutton Business Park, Suttons Park Avenue, Reading, RG61AZ

The Servicing Master Centre LTD

3.8/5

If you’re looking for a reliable Car Garage In Reading look no further, we are The Servicing Masters. We specialize in Servicing, Wheel alignment and tracking, Air Con recharge, MOT, Tyre, Body Work, Clutch and Fly Wheel, Water Pump,Timing Belt and all kinds of mechanical repair. No Fix, No Fee 12 Months Warranty Expert Repair Staff Spare Parts Supplies Free Collection & Delivery The Servicing Master is all about quality. From our technicians through to the parts and fluids we use. Whether you need us for a scheduled service or a repair you can leave your vehicle in our capable hands with confidence. Dec House, 145 Cardiff Road, Reading, RG1 8JF Mon – Sat: 10:00 – 20:00
181 Cardiff Road, Reading, RG18HD

Frequently asked questions on car battery

Charging your electric car battery involves:

  • Plugging into a charger: Use a home charger or a charging station.
  • Monitoring charging: Most electric cars have a display to show how charged the battery is.
  • Charging time: This varies depending on the charger and your electric car’s battery. Home chargers typically take six to eight hours. Fast chargers can take 30 to 60 minutes.

Always follow the guidelines for charging.

To change your car key battery:

  • Open the key fob: Use a small screwdriver or coin to open the fob.
  • Remove the old battery: Take note of the battery type.
  • Insert the new battery: Make sure it’s the correct type and is oriented as it should be.
  • Close the key fob: Snap or screw it back together.

Check your car manual for exact instructions.

Yes. You can replace a car battery on your own if you follow these steps:

  • Turn off the engine: Make sure your car is off.
  • Remove the old battery: Disconnectthe negative (-) terminal first. Then disconnect the positive (+) terminal. Remove any clamps or brackets holding your car’s battery in place.
  • Install the new battery: Place your new battery in the tray. You can then secure it with clamps or brackets. Connect the positive (+) terminal first. Then connect the negative (-) terminal.
  • Test the battery: Start your car to make sure the battery is working.

If you’re unsure, use a professional service.

Signs you need a new car battery include:

  • Slow engine cranking: The engine takes longer to start.
  • Dim lights: Headlights and inside lights are dimmer than usual.
  • Battery warning light: The battery or charging system warning light is on.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to get your battery checked.

The best car battery depends on your car and how you drive:

  • Standard lead-acid battery: Suitable for most cars with regular driving patterns.
  • AGM battery: Ideal for vehicles with high electrical demands or stop-start systems.
  • Deep cycle battery: Used in electric and hybrid vehicles.

Read your car manual or ask a professional for recommendations.

Most car warranties cover battery replacement for a period. This is usually two to three years. Extended warranties may offer you longer coverage. Check your warranty details or talk to the provider for more info.

Yes, it certainly can:

  • Cold weather: Low temperatures can decrease the battery's ability to hold a charge, making it harder to start the car.
  • Hot weather: High temperatures can cause battery fluid to evaporate, leading to potential damage.

Regular checks are important in extreme weather.

Recycling an old car battery is important for environmental reasons as it can be very polluting.

  • Take it to a recycling centre: Many auto part stores and recycling centres take old car batteries.
  • Check local regulations: Some areas have specific guidelines for battery disposal.
  • Use a professional service: Many mobile mechanics and garages offer battery recycling services.
  • Lead-acid battery: Common, cost-effective, and reliable for most vehicles.
  • AGM battery: More expensive. It offers better performance and durability, in vehicles with high electrical demands or stop-start systems.

Talk to a professional to find the best battery for your needs.