A mechanic using a diagnostic machine to inspect a car vehicle engine
Service, Repairs & MOT

Car battery replacement in Southampton

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

  • Top-quality batteries
  • Price includes fitting
  • Maximum convenience

£240.90

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

Trustpilot rating for all RAC Mobile Mechanics.

Why choose the RAC for a car battery replacement?

With RAC Mobile Mechanics, you can avoid the hassle of taking your vehicle to a garage. They can do battery replacement and fitting on your driveway, so you don't even need to leave the house.

We use only quality batteries that meet OEM standards – that means they meet your vehicle manufacturer’s strict quality criteria, with a minimum 3-year warranty as standard. The price includes fitting, ensuring no surprises on the day. No hidden costs, just friendly, honest experts.

Close up of an RAC Mobile Mechanic underneath a car

Our top pick in Southampton

We’ll come to you at home or work

RAC Mobile Mechanic in Southampton

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.

A mechanic inspecting a car battery.

Car battery replacement

From £160^^

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

Vehicle diagnostic check

£99

We’ll spend up to 30 mins checking our car’s onboard management system for faults. We’ll talk you through repairs needed and provide a full report. If any further work is needed, we’ll agree this with you before we start. Any additional work after the first 30 minutes will be priced at £20 per 15 minutes. We’ll agree this with you before proceeding.

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.

Average cost of a car battery replacement by car make^

The cost to replace your car battery will depend on the car you drive and battery recommended. According to RAC data, the average cost to replace a car battery is £214. But you can check out the average price of a car battery replacement for your specific car make here.

Make

Average price

Ford

£230

BMW

£286

Volkswagen

£230

Mercedes

£258

Nissan

£224

Toyota

£234

Audi

£270

Vauxhall

£226

Peugeot

£235

Land Rover

£266

^Average price quoted for RAC Mobile Mechanics from 01/01/25 to 31/03/25.

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

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.

A close up of an RAC mobile mechanic looking under the hood of a car

What our expert says

A healthy battery will help you avoid breakdowns and keep your car in top condition. An old worn battery can cause starting issues and could fail any time – leaving you stranded.

Nick Mullender

Lead RAC Mobile Mechanic

Try one of our RAC Approved Garages

AutoTech Motors Services/Barry Motor Trade Ltd

4.9/5

A customer-focused approach delivered with the friendly, personal touch. Modern garage services from a workshop that regularly invests into new technology. Covering all locations in Hampshire including Southampton, Salisbury, Romsey, Eastleigh and Totton. Specialists in all German marques but able to work on any make or model. Car servicing and repair work undertaken to the same schedules as dealerships. An affordable service from a company that guarantees all parts and its workmanship. Our customers get competitive deals on car and van servicing, MOTs, air conditioning, exhausts, batteries, brakes, clutches, diagnostics, suspension and more. We even offer FREE safety checks to keep you safe on the road. We pride ourselves in giving all of our customers that personal touch, which you would expect from a family-run business, and of course the most competitive prices and great availability and service. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are always happy to help, offering unbiased advice, and if you find a cheaper price for the same product in stock, we’ll try our best to beat it at the time of purchase.
Stanley House, Manor House Avenue, Southampton, SO150LF

Crampmoor Garage Ltd

4.9/5

You can trust Crampmoor gargae to do the job right. With over four decades of experience under our belt, we know all there is to know about providing quality car care. Since 1975, the Meader family has endeavoured to deliver high-quality car repairs at affordable prices. So, whether you need a brake fluid replacement, a coolant change, a front wheel alignment, or a general diagnostic check, we are here to help.
Halterworth Lane, Crampmoor, Romsey, SO519AN

Southcoast Automotive Services ltd

4.9/5

Friendly, Local Family Run Garage We are your friendly, local family run car garages in Hampshire, dedicated to providing you with a comprehensive range of automotive services tailored for your specific requirements. From car servicing and maintenance to engine diagnostics and car repairs in, Botley, Hedge End and the surrounding areas we are the company to call. All work undertaken is completed to the highest of standards by trained and experienced auto specialists. We are dedicated to providing a superb range of garage services to meet all your private vehicle and small business needs, including performance and kit cars - please call for details.
Unit C, Mereworth Ind. Estate, Shamblehurst Lane North, Southampton, SO322BY

Swanmore Car Repair Centre

4.8/5

Swanmore Car Repair Centre is an independent repair garage established in 2008. We offer a wide range of services and commend ourselves by providing the best quality and efficiency on every single job we undertake. Our clean, modern and well-equipt premises allow us to welcome any repair and rectify it. We cover anything from a simple service, right through to a full engine rebuild. On-site we have a vast range of different diagnostics equipment from a range of leading suppliers. We can facilitate diagnostics to complete vehicle reprogramming depending on individual need. We can accommodate all vehicle make's and models and are happy to be able to provide you with a reputable dealer level of service, all for the price of an independent garage. Our team specialise in Clutch, Cambelt and Brake repairs and are proud to be rated a national top performer. We are members of the approved garage network This ensures you have peace of mind and confidence when repairing with us. All of our team here at Swanmore Car Repair Centre are fully qualified and trained to the highest standard. We strive in making sure we deliver professional work with results, always put the customer's needs first. Customer satisfaction is essential on each and every job, no matter how big or small. We are very pleased to be able to provide both a collection and delivery service within 10 miles, or a courtesy car subject to availability. Of course, however, you may just prefer to wait in our comfortable waiting room, with free Wi-Fi and refreshments on offer.
Unit 7 Swanmore Business Centre, Lower Chase Road, Swanmore, Southampton, SO32 2PB

Shirley Car Care Centre Ltd

4.6/5

Based in Shirley, we are a family run company and give 100% customer satisfaction for all your vehicle needs. We specialise is Clutches, Semi-automatic gearboxes, Servicing, Mots, Welding, Air conditioning, Vehicle diagnostics and much more. Find us on Facebook for reviews and don't forget to like our page!
1 Vincents Grove, Southampton, SO155HW

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: Disconnect the 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.