Why Do Car Batteries Cost So Much?

Over the last decade, automotive battery prices have skyrocketed. If you haven’t replaced your battery in a few years, you might be in for a surprise when you go to get a new one. Most automotive batteries, depending on the type of battery and the brand, cost well over a hundred dollars. If you haven’t bought a battery for a vehicle for a few years, you may wonder why they are so expensive. Here are a few reasons.

The Cost of Lead

One of the big reasons that battery prices have gone up is because the cost of lead has gone up considerably in the past decade. Automotive batteries contain lead, so the higher cost of lead means a more expensive battery.

Better Battery Technology

Another reason that the price of automotive batteries has gone up is because batteries today are better than car batteries in the past. The companies that produce and sell automotive batteries have improved the design and the quality of materials used. The result is a better battery will last longer and charge faster…but be more expensive. The bottom line is that you’re paying more, but you’re also getting more.

Warranty

Battery warranties are also one reason that prices have risen. More and more battery brands and resellers are adding a battery warranty to the cost of the battery. There are two main reasons that battery companies are doing this. One reason they would add a warranty is so that they can charge more. The second reason is because many people forget whether or not they bought a battery with a warranty. Most of the time, the consumer has lost the receipt or forgotten about the warranty by the time they have a problem with their battery. Keep your receipts, and if you have a problem with your battery, look at the expiration date for the warranty. You may be able to take it in and get your battery replaced or serviced for free.

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