We replace car batteries at the Ariol Auto workshop. If you are not sure the battery is to blame, we can test it and the charging system by agreement with you: if the alternator or a parasitic drain is to blame, a new battery will go flat too. We will tell you which battery your car needs.
Priisle tee 18, Tallinn
Mon–Fri: 09:00–18:00
Cars and minibuses of all makes
What battery replacement includes
A car can fail to start for reasons other than the battery. So if in doubt, it is better to test the battery and charging first. We agree the scope of work with you in advance.
Battery test
We check the voltage, the state of charge and the battery’s ability to deliver cranking current. This shows whether the battery needs replacing or just needs charging.
Charging and alternator
We measure the charging voltage with the engine running. If the alternator undercharges or overcharges the battery, a new one will not last long. We fix alternator faults as part of car electrical repair.
Parasitic drain
If the battery goes flat while the car is parked, we measure the current draw with the ignition off. The cause may be a control unit that does not go into sleep mode, additional equipment or faulty wiring.
The right battery
We will tell you which battery your car needs: type, capacity, cranking current, dimensions, polarity and mounting. You can also bring your own battery.
Replacement and terminals
We remove the old battery, clean the terminals and contacts, and secure the new one. A corroded or loose terminal causes the same symptoms as a flat battery.
Battery registration
On many modern cars, a new battery has to be registered with the power management system, and sometimes coded as well. After the replacement, we check that the car starts.
When it is time to replace the battery
Book a check if you notice any of the signs below. Especially before winter: a weak battery is most likely to let you down in the first frosts.
The starter cranks slowly. The engine is harder to start than usual, especially in the morning and in frosty weather.
The car will not start after being parked. You hear clicking, the instrument panel flickers and you have to jump-start the car.
Start‑Stop has stopped working. The engine no longer switches off at stops. One common reason is that the system is protecting a weak battery.
The electronics play up when starting. The radio restarts, the clock resets and warning lights appear on the dashboard.
The charging warning light is on. This is a sign of a fault in the charging system: the alternator, the belt or the wiring. Replacing the battery alone will not fix it.
The battery is more than 4–5 years old. Capacity drops with age. Have the battery checked in advance, before the car stops starting.
The terminals are corroded. A white or greenish deposit worsens the contact, and the car may not start even with a healthy battery.
The battery case is swollen or leaking. Cracks, traces of electrolyte or a smell of acid — a battery like this must be replaced.
How battery replacement works
If needed, we first check whether the battery really is the cause, then fit the new one.
Check
If needed, we test the battery and the charging from the alternator, and if the battery goes flat while parked, we look for a parasitic drain.
Approval
We explain what we have found, tell you which battery your car needs and agree the cost of the work.
Replacement
We remove the old battery, clean the terminals, then fit and secure the new one.
Registration and checks
If the car requires it, we register the new battery. We check that the car starts.
Which battery: conventional, EFB or AGM?
The battery type is chosen by the car manufacturer, and it should stay the same when the battery is replaced. The types differ in how well the battery copes with frequent starts and deep discharges.
The main types:
- conventional flooded — for cars without a Start‑Stop system;
- EFB — an enhanced flooded battery, usually for cars with a basic Start‑Stop system;
- AGM — the electrolyte is held in glass-fibre separators; these batteries are fitted to cars with Start‑Stop and regenerative braking, and to cars with many electrical consumers;
- an EFB can be replaced with an AGM, but an AGM must not be replaced with an EFB or a conventional battery: such a battery will soon fail.
When registration is needed
The power management system takes the battery’s age and condition into account and adjusts charging to suit it. Registration of a new battery is usually required on:
- BMW and MINI;
- many Audi, Volkswagen, Škoda and SEAT models, especially with Start‑Stop;
- cars of other makes with a battery sensor on the negative terminal, depending on the model.
Without registration, the system charges the new battery as if it were the old one: it will not last as long, and Start‑Stop may work with limitations. If the battery capacity or type changes, coding is needed as well.
How to prepare your battery for winter
In frosty weather a battery delivers less current, while a cold engine needs more to start. That is why a weak battery most often fails in the first frosts. To prevent this:
- have the battery checked in autumn, especially if it is more than 4–5 years old;
- if you mostly drive short distances, take a longer drive from time to time or charge the battery with a battery charger;
- if you use a parking heater, allow for its power consumption: on short journeys the battery does not have time to recharge;
- keep the terminals clean and make sure they are securely tightened;
- when jump-starting from another car, observe the polarity and connect the cables to the points specified in the owner’s manual.
If the car will not start but the battery is fine, the cause may be the starter, the wiring or another system. In that case, car diagnostics will help.
Frequently asked questions about battery replacement
How much does battery replacement cost?
The cost depends on the car: where the battery is located, which battery is needed and whether registration or coding is required. Current prices are on the Prices page. We agree the cost before starting work.
Do I need to bring the battery with me?
Yes. We will tell you in advance which battery your car needs: type, capacity, cranking current and dimensions. The workshop warranty does not cover parts supplied by the customer.
Does a new battery need to be registered?
On many modern cars, yes: on BMW, and also on Audi, Volkswagen, Škoda and SEAT, especially with Start‑Stop. Without registration, the power management system charges the new battery as if it were the old one, and it does not last as long. Whether your car needs registration can be checked by VIN.
Can I fit a conventional battery instead of an AGM?
No. If the car came with an AGM battery from the factory, it must be replaced with an AGM. Conventional and EFB batteries are not designed for that load and will soon fail. However, an AGM can be fitted instead of an EFB.
Will the settings be lost after a battery replacement?
It depends on the car. When the battery is disconnected, the clock and radio settings may reset, and the automatic windows may lose their calibration. Some radios ask for a code afterwards. After the replacement, we will tell you what needs to be set up again.
Why has my new battery gone flat again?
Often the battery itself is not the cause: the alternator is undercharging it, there is a parasitic drain while the car is parked, or the car is only driven over short distances. So in this case it is worth testing the charging system and checking for a parasitic drain.
How do I book a battery replacement?
Fill in the form on this page or call +372 5552 7985. Give your registration number or VIN and describe what is happening: the car will not start, the battery goes flat after being parked, or there are warning lights on the dashboard.
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