Car battery replacement in Melbourne

With nearly half a century of experience, Cox Auto’s licensed experts can replace batteries in all vehicles, specialising in European cars. Book your service today.

Rated 4.6 from 1095 reviews
A closeup of the equipment we use to test car batteries at Cox Auto.
An icon for a checklist

VicRoads accredited inspectors

Cox Auto’s mechanics uphold Victoria’s highest motoring standards. Our expertise ensures every car battery installation is precise, compliant, and worthy of the engineering excellence behind your car.

An icon for a shield

One-year parts guarantee

We select premium batteries designed to match the performance demands of high-end European vehicles. Should yours falter within 12 months, we’ll replace it without charge, preserving both reliability and driving enjoyment.

A dollar icon

Upfront costs on all auto work

From the outset, you’ll receive a transparent, itemised quote that reflects the true craftsmanship of our work. No unexpected fees, only absolute clarity and the assurance of premium service at every stage.

A close-up of a Cox Auto mechanic review notes while servicing a car.

OEM car battery replacements for the finest European cars

For over 40 years, Melbourne car owners have trusted Cox Auto because we treat every vehicle with the same care its manufacturer intended. We source OEM or manufacturer-approved batteries and install them to factory performance standards, ensuring your car delivers the responsiveness, reliability, and longevity it was built for.

Four luxury cars up on car lifts in Cox Auto’s South Melbourne garage, waiting for our qualified mechanics to continue assessing them for roadworthiness.

Why is battery replacement important?

Modern European vehicles rely on coded batteries linked to complex electronics. Choosing Cox Auto for battery replacement Melbourne drivers rely on ensures correct fitting, protects manufacturer warranties, and preserves performance. For pricing, see our service cost section.

Cox Auto’s complete European car battery replacement service

Replacing a battery in a European or prestige vehicle isn’t just a matter of swapping parts. Many models require specialist tools, precise coding, and strict adherence to manufacturer procedures to protect advanced electronics and retain performance settings. Our process ensures your new battery integrates seamlessly with your car’s systems and meets the same standards it left the factory with.

Key steps in our process

  • Check icon Supply of OEM or manufacturer-approved battery matched to your exact model.
  • Check icon Safe power supply maintenance during replacement to preserve electronic memory.
  • Check icon Battery registration and coding using brand-specific diagnostic equipment.
  • Check icon Testing and calibration of charging and electrical systems.
  • Check icon Visual inspection for signs of wiring wear, corrosion, or connection faults.
  • Check icon Secure fitting to protect bodywork, trim, and surrounding components.
  • Check icon Recycling and environmentally responsible disposal of your old battery.
  • Check icon Final performance check to confirm optimal starting power and system health.
A qualified Cox Auto technician performing an engine diagnostic under the hood of a European vehicle.

How much does it cost to replace a car battery in Melbourne?

Battery replacements for European vehicles at Cox Auto typically range from $450 to $750, depending on the make, model, and battery specifications. This includes supply of an OEM or manufacturer-approved battery, professional installation, coding where required, and a full system check to ensure optimal performance.

A qualified Cox Auto technician performing an engine diagnostic under the hood of a European vehicle.

Cox Auto proudly serves Melbourne’s European car brands

Centrally located in South Melbourne, Cox Auto is trusted by discerning drivers across the city who want expert care for their high-value vehicles. Our reputation is built on four decades of specialist service, making us the first choice for battery replacements that meet the exacting standards of Europe’s finest marques.

Two Cox Auto mechanics reviewing their service checklist, which includes battery checks.

How to book a car battery replacement in Melbourne

Our booking process is designed to protect your time and ensure your battery replacement is handled with precision. Once you get in touch, we line up the correct OEM-approved battery, prepare our tools, and schedule you for a seamless visit. Here’s how it works:

  • Call or email our South Melbourne team to secure your booking.
  • Provide your vehicle’s make, model, and year so we can source the exact battery.
  • Choose a time that fits your schedule. Urgent slots often available.
  • We prepare the required equipment and coding tools before you arrive.
  • Your new battery is fitted, coded, and tested to factory standards.
Book now for the expert car service Melbourne trusts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to tell if your car battery needs replacing?

We’re written up a longer guide to help you to tell whether your car battery is dead. Here are some clear signs to look for that go beyond the car just not starting.

  • Slow cranking when you turn the key, especially first thing in the morning.
  • The battery or charging system warning light showing on the dashboard.
  • Headlights that dim when you are idling or interior lights that flicker.
  • White or blue powder building up around the battery terminals.
  • A bloated or distorted battery case, often caused by overheating.

If you notice more than one of these issues, it is best to test the car battery before it fails completely. That way, you can choose the right time to replace it instead of being caught out when you least expect it.

Can I jump-start my car with a dead battery?

Jump-starting will usually get you moving again, but it is only a temporary solution.

  • If the battery went flat because something was left on, such as the lights, a long drive may recharge it.
  • If it is old or faulty, it will not hold a charge and will go flat again.
  • Repeated jump-starts can strain the alternator and starter motor, which may cause further damage.

If you are in Melbourne, we can check the battery here in our South Melbourne workforce to confirm whether it can be saved or needs replacing. If you are stuck on the road, we can also recommend a trusted roadside service like RACV emergency roadside assistance.

What are the signs of a failing car battery?

A weak battery often shows problems well before it gives up completely. Pay attention to the following:

  • The car takes longer to start, or you need to try more than once.
  • Lights dim when you use other features like air conditioning or the stereo.
  • The infotainment screen cuts out or resets itself while driving.
  • A strong smell of sulphur, similar to rotten eggs, coming from under the bonnet.

If you notice any of these symptoms, book a battery test as soon as you can. It only takes a few minutes and will tell you whether the battery can keep going or should be replaced before it leaves you stranded.

What is the lifespan of a car battery?

Most car batteries last between three and five years, but this can vary depending on the vehicle, how it is driven, and the climate. Short trips, long periods without use, and extreme temperatures can shorten battery life. In a European cars with advanced electronics, the battery is often under heavier load, so testing it yearly after the three-year mark is a good idea.

Is it OK to drive with a bad battery?

It is possible to drive with a weak battery, but it is not a good idea. A bad battery can fail without warning, which means your car may not restart once you switch it off. In some cases, low voltage can also affect sensitive electronic systems and cause warning lights to appear. If you suspect your battery is failing, replace it before it leaves you stranded or damages other components.

How to check car battery health?

The most reliable way to check battery health is with a proper load test, which measures how the battery performs under demand.

  • Look for visible issues such as swelling, corrosion, or leaks.
  • Check the dashboard for a battery or charging system warning light.
  • Use a multimeter to measure voltage, ideally with the car off and under load.
  • For an accurate result, have the battery tested with professional equipment at a workshop.

A quick test in our workshop takes minutes and will confirm whether your battery is still performing or needs replacing. We can also teach you how to test a car battery if you’d like to do it yourself.

Read the reviews we’ve worked hard to earn