Auto batteries are crucial for starting combustion engines and powering the vehicle’s electrical system. Thankfully, they only need to be replaced once every few years. While most people end up paying high prices for brand-new batteries, it’s also worth considering if a supercheap auto battery is better suited for your needs.
A brand-new auto battery will last anywhere from 2-5 years, and you can expect a supercheap battery to serve a shorter lifespan than high-end brands. However, a cheap but brand-new battery will likely last longer than a branded but second-hand battery.
In this guide, we’re going to take a closer look at all the qualities of a supercheap auto battery and which ones are worth buying. Let’s get started!
How Much Do New Car Batteries Cost?
Before we dive deeper into comparing car batteries, let’s talk about how much a car battery replacement will cost you in general.
In Australia, you can expect to pay anywhere between $100 and $150 to put a brand-new battery in your vehicle. For the next 2-5 years, you can rest easy that that battery will do its job and not let you down.
Still, you can find plenty of automotive batteries that go way beyond that price range.
Factors that Affect a Car Battery’s Price
Here are some factors that will drive up the price of a car battery:
#1 Battery Size and Purpose
One of the most significant factors affecting a car battery’s price is its size and what vehicle it will be used in. For example, deep-cycle batteries or those used for stop-start cars will cost more than a standard battery for a regular car.
Of course, specialised batteries like those for hybrid and electric vehicles fall into a completely different category and will cost significantly more.
#2 When and Where the Battery Was Made
The battery’s origins can also play a significant role in how much it ends up costing you. For example, an auto battery made in the United States or somewhere in Europe will undoubtedly cost you more.
For one thing, batteries made in those parts of the world tend to have stricter quality rules. Besides that, you’re also paying a little more for the shipping costs it took to get the battery to Australia.
Also, batteries that are still relatively ‘fresh’ (i.e., they haven’t been sitting in storage for too long) are going to perform better overall. Why? Well, batteries slowly discharge power, whether they’re connected to a car or not.
So, the less time a battery spends between the factory and your car, the better it will be for you and your pocket.
#3 Premium Quality
Besides that, premium batteries made of higher-quality materials will also come with higher price tags. At a higher price range, these premium batteries will perform better and last longer.
That will matter to some drivers with specific needs, of course, though an everyday driver will do just fine with good quality, average battery.
#4 Brand Names
Like any other product, batteries that come from solid brands will cost a little bit extra. Think of it this way: people who buy a Bosch car battery, for example, are paying for the peace of mind and quality that comes with that brand name.
Besides getting a Bosch battery, you can also opt for other popular brand names like a Yuasa car battery or any Century battery.
Can You Buy a Supercheap Auto Battery?
Yes, you can buy a battery at supercheap auto battery prices instead of paying top dollar for one. There are plenty of reasons why you’d want to do that, like:
- You need a simple battery to get a car running
- You don’t plan on keeping the car (or the battery) for long
- You’re on a tight budget
Don’t worry; there’s no judgment here. There are plenty of reasons for buying a cheap auto battery. But where can you get them from?
Generally, you have two options:
- Cheap and Brand New: You can buy a brand-new battery from a cheap brand. Sure, battery sellers will always highlight their top-of-the-line products. That doesn’t mean they don’t have cheap batteries in stock, so don’t think twice about asking them.
- Cheap and Used Batteries: Another way to do it is to buy a used battery. You can get second-hand batteries from wreckers or someone you know who doesn’t need the battery anymore.
Of course, it’s crucial to remember that supercheap auto batteries come with trade-offs. For instance, a cheap battery from a lesser-known brand is made from lower-quality materials. So, it will not have the same performance specs as a brand new, high-quality battery.
More important to note is that cheap batteries won’t have the same lifespan as more expensive brands.
How Long Do Cheap Car Batteries Last?
Remember: a brand-new car battery replacement of reasonable quality can last you anywhere from 2-5 years, so don’t expect a cheap car battery to last longer than that. A battery’s lifespan will be even shorter if you buy it used from a wrecker or other sellers. A word of caution, though: as much as possible, buy car batteries brand-new.
For a more accurate estimate of how long a cheap car battery will last, take note of the warranty coverage that comes with it. The warranty is always an excellent indicator of how long the manufacturer or seller is confident the battery will last, and that’s a helpful gauge for you to rely on.
Are Car Batteries Made in Australia Cheap?
Australian-made batteries are not necessarily cheaper. Sure, none of your dollars spent on such a battery goes towards import costs since they’re made locally. Still, Aussie batteries are of high quality, and they’re made from high-quality materials. So, their price tags certainly reflect that.
There are several Australian-made batteries on the market that you’ve come across, whether you realise it or not. For example, if you buy a Repco battery, you’re purchasing an Australian-made battery manufactured by Century Yuasa, which also produces Aussie-made Century batteries.
So, if you’re looking for high-quality automotive batteries, you don’t have to look beyond Australia to find them.
Find Cheap Car Batteries Online!
Still, if you’re in the market for supercheap auto batteries, an excellent place to start is at CarPart AU. Check out the Marketplace for brand-new or used auto batteries or search the Directory for new car battery dealers in your area!
By Ray Hasbollah