What happens during a mobile battery replacement

You call or text with where the car is and what it's doing. We come to you, test the battery and charging system, and tell you what we found and the price. If you say yes, we install the right battery, register it if the car needs it, check the charging voltage, clean up, and take the old battery for recycling. Most installs are done in well under an hour once we're there.

The call

We'll ask:

• Where the car is. Address, lot, garage level, row. A pin drop by text is perfect.
• Year, make, model and engine. This is how we bring the right battery.
• What it's doing. Clicking, slow crank, nothing, battery light, needed a jump.
• Anything we should know. Gates, parking passes, the car being in a tight spot, a battery in the trunk.

We'll tell you the price range up front, based on what your car usually takes. Our prices page shows the ranges.

When we get there

We'll call or text when we're close. If the car is in a garage or a gated community, we'll meet you or follow your instructions. You don't have to stand over us, but you'll need to unlock the car and pop the hood, or leave the key where we agreed.

The test

Before we sell anything, we test:

• The battery: condition and charge, under load.
• Cranking: how the battery holds up when the starter is working.
• Charging: what the alternator puts out with the engine running.

If the battery is fine, we tell you, and point you at what the test suggests is the real problem. If it's the battery, we show you the result. How to read a battery test.

The price

You get a final price before we start. If the car needs AGM or registration, that's already in it. There's no surprise line at the end.

The install

1. Memory saver. On cars that need it, we keep power to the car's computers while the battery is out, so radio presets and settings survive. Some cars still lose a few settings. We'll tell you if yours is one of them.
2. Old battery out. Negative first, then positive, then hold-down.
3. Clean. We clean the tray, clamps and cable ends. Corrosion gets neutralized. Battery corrosion.
4. New battery in. Correct type, size and terminal layout. Hold-down tight. Positive first, then negative. Vent tube reconnected if there is one.
5. Protect. Terminal protection on the connections.

Registration

Many newer cars, especially European brands and start-stop models, need the new battery registered so the car charges it correctly. We do it on site when the car calls for it. Battery registration and reset.

The check

We start the car and check:

• The charging voltage with the new battery.
• Warning lights.
• That windows, locks and other basics work.

Some cars need a short drive to relearn idle or window positions. We'll tell you if yours does.

Paperwork and warranty

You get a receipt showing the battery, the price and the warranty terms. Keep it. Warranties and date codes.

The old battery

We take it. Lead-acid batteries are recyclable and shouldn't go in the trash. You don't have to deal with it.

Where we can work

Driveways, curbs, apartment lots, office garages, store lots and most parking decks. In a garage, tell us the level and the clearance if it's low. On a busy road shoulder, safety comes first. Sometimes that means a tow to a safer spot.

If your car is in a tight spot, like nose-in against a wall with the battery up front, we'll work it out with you.

How long it takes

The install itself is usually quick. Cars with batteries in the trunk, under a seat or behind trim take longer. Registration adds a few minutes. We'll give you a rough idea when you call.

See mobile car battery replacement and AGM and start-stop replacement.

What we won't do

We won't replace a battery that tests good. We won't put in the wrong type to save a few dollars. And we won't add charges after you've agreed to a price. If something comes up during the install, like a broken clamp, we stop and talk to you first.