Car Battery Services
Our technicians take care of all types of car battery problems so you're not dealing with them yourself in a parking lot. You're getting qualified help from people who've seen every “car won't start” situation out there. Bring your old battery in for testing, we'll tell you if it's actually dead or it's a bigger issue under the hood.
Battery Terminal Replacement
If your battery won't hold a charge, we do electrical system diagnostics to see if something's draining it. A lot of folks come in saying their battery keeps dying. Sometimes it's corrosion, a loose connection, a bad alternator that's not charging like it should, or a parasitic drain from an electrical accessory that's staying on when it shouldn't. We'll figure out what's actually wrong so you're not replacing a good part when the real problem is somewhere else. And if you need car battery replacement and installation, we'll match the right group size and power level for your vehicle and get you back on the road in five minutes.
FAQ
How long do car batteries last?
Most car batteries last around 3-5 years, but heat, cold (think our freezing temps), a lot of short trips, and electrical load can shorten that lifespan. If you're around the 3-year mark and starting feels slow, don't wait for a no-start day. Bring your vehicle to us and we'll check it, or swing by your nearest Holbrook store and our team will match the correct replacement car battery.
What are the signs you need a new battery?
A few symptoms usually show up before an auto battery completely taps out. Here's what Detroit drivers come in saying:
- slow cranking when you start the car, especially first thing in the morning
- car won't start after a cold night but fires right up after you jumpstart your car
- interior lights or headlights that dim noticeably when you crank
- battery keeps dying after the car sits for a day or two (sometimes it's the alternator, we'll tell you)
- battery warning light on the dash
- swollen or bulging battery case
- rotten egg smell under the hood (that can mean it's overheating or leaking)
- battery's already 3-5 years old
When your car won't start, you don't have time to shop around. It's always when you've got places to be. Visit one of the Holbrook battery stores near you and get a quality replacement. Or, if you are not sure what the real problem is, bring your vehicle by for a professional battery test.
How much does a car battery cost?
Car battery prices vary based on group size, cold-cranking amps (matters here in Detroit!), whether your car needs AGM or EFB technology, and warranty. Most regular 12-volt car batteries cost about $90–$250. Winter starts are rough on weak batteries, so spending a little more for the right CCA makes perfect sense. If your vehicle has start-stop or higher electrical demand, it likely needs an AGM or EFB style battery, and those are commonly $190–$300+. EFB batteries are usually 20-30% cheaper than AGM. If you're comparing battery replacement cost, call your closest Holbrook store. We'll give you the best price in Detroit and help you choose the best value.
How many volts is a car battery?
Most gas or diesel cars and trucks use a 12-volt starter battery. When the engine is off, a healthy 12-volt battery usually sits around 12.6-12.8 volts. With the engine running and the alternator charging it, so you'll typically see about 13.7–14.7 volts.
How many amps is a car battery?
There isn't one single “amps” number. There are actually two amp ratings people care about: starting power – cold cranking amps (CCA) and capacity measured in amp-hours (Ah). In Detroit winters, CCA matters most as that number is the power that gets you started on freezing mornings. Most regular cars are in the 400–800 CCA range. Truck batteries sometimes have over 1,000 cold cranking amps. If your car is slow to crank or keeps tapping out in winter, CCA is the number to pay attention to. The other rating is capacity, usually 40–70 amp-hours (Ah), which is how long the battery can run lights and electronics with the engine off.
How much does a car battery weigh?
On average, car batteries weigh 30-50 pounds, depending on group size. Smaller cars run lighter, around 30-35 pounds. Sedans and SUVs usually come with something in the 40-45 pound range. Truck sizes, especially diesel or heavy-duty setups, weigh 50-60 lb or more.
What car battery do I need?
Here's what matters when it comes to finding the right battery:
- Cold Cranking Amps (CCA). This is how much starting power your battery delivers when it's cold out. In Michigan's winters, a higher CCA can make all the difference. Your owner's manual (or the label on your old battery) is where you find the minimum CCA. We'll recommend what your vehicle needs based on its engine size and our experience with winters in the neighborhood.
- Group Size. This is the physical size and terminal layout. Your vehicle takes a specific size (like Group 48 (H6) or Group 35). We have all the common sizes in stock.
- Battery Type. Most vehicles use standard flooded lead-acid batteries. Some newer cars, especially if equipped with start-stop, need an AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) or EFB type.
If you need a new car battery, we make fitment easy. Tell us what you drive, we'll match the right type, group size, and power level for your vehicle and Detroit weather.
