Page 4 | AIBU to refuse to change the car battery given my caring duties?

Thechaseison71 · 14/03/2026 23:36

OnTheBoardwalk · 14/03/2026 23:32

I absolutely get this for an older car. @Kardelen hasnt said HOW old the car is

I’m getting annoyed at posters. (Not you) saying woman up and change it yourself, all you need to do it watch a YouTube video

roadside assistance is great as well but you need to wait for it to die first

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Mines not that old lol.

OnTheBoardwalk · 14/03/2026 23:32

Thechaseison71 · 14/03/2026 23:24

Not every has such fancy cars though. Mine certainly isn't. And the battery itself was £45 with a 3 year guarantee so why would I pay more than that for someone else to fit it when I could do it myself

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I absolutely get this for an older car. @Kardelen hasnt said HOW old the car is

I’m getting annoyed at posters. (Not you) saying woman up and change it yourself, all you need to do it watch a YouTube video

roadside assistance is great as well but you need to wait for it to die first

WearyAuldWumman · 14/03/2026 23:25

KurtCobainLover · 14/03/2026 10:18

Do you have homestart on your breakdown cover? They fitted mine and only charged me for the battery.

That's what I did last time round. (I'm on my own.)

Thechaseison71 · 14/03/2026 23:24

OnTheBoardwalk · 14/03/2026 23:18

With modern cars why on earth would you fuck about doing it yourself. Halfords charge £50 to fit a battery in my car with a 5 year guarantee. For my car it says

programming , to inform the car's Battery Management System (BMS) that a new battery is installed is required which prevents overcharging, ensures correct charging profiles (like for AGM batteries), and maintains proper function of electronics, especially for start-stop systems, to avoid premature battery failure and electrical issues

Not every has such fancy cars though. Mine certainly isn't. And the battery itself was £45 with a 3 year guarantee so why would I pay more than that for someone else to fit it when I could do it myself

MoonWoman69 · 14/03/2026 23:23

I've changed a few batteries with no issues, I have also changed glow plugs and HT leads. Every woman should know the basics of car maintenance! Big jobs, I go to the garage we use, smaller jobs such as the above and wipers, I'll do myself. (If I'm feeling fit enough, my husband does it if I'm not!)
When I passed my test in '91, my husband showed me the stuff he thought I needed to know. And even though, at the time, I was rolling my eyes all over the shop, I'm actually glad he did!
But if you aren't confident or have a newer car, then go to a garage. I'd just rather not be ripped off for something I can actually do myself.

OnTheBoardwalk · 14/03/2026 23:18

With modern cars why on earth would you fuck about doing it yourself. Halfords charge £50 to fit a battery in my car with a 5 year guarantee. For my car it says

programming , to inform the car's Battery Management System (BMS) that a new battery is installed is required which prevents overcharging, ensures correct charging profiles (like for AGM batteries), and maintains proper function of electronics, especially for start-stop systems, to avoid premature battery failure and electrical issues

ProudCat · 14/03/2026 22:34

Grease your nipples and get going gal!

Thechaseison71 · 14/03/2026 22:29

It's really bloody simple. 5 mins job. Really can't believe the number of people seeming to be unable to do it.

Redragtoabull · 14/03/2026 22:26

If you have RAC membership, they will replace and fit it for free. I had only just got their membership a few days prior to my battery dying after 7 years. They came to my home address and fitted a brand new battery. You do have to pay for it in full if you cancel the membership within 12 months of the fitting

NoisyMonster678 · 14/03/2026 21:02

Just say that it is too risky now with children in the house and it is also an extremly hazardous fire risk becuse car batteries can be over charged and its worse than Dante's inferno

I have a marine battery, believe me they are hazardous.

DollyBee · 14/03/2026 20:53

Halfords

Hayley1256 · 14/03/2026 20:53

Just go to Halfords

rookiemere · 14/03/2026 20:52

beeautifullif3 · 14/03/2026 19:37

Omfg honestly how do women manage these days !!! Its really not hard to change a car battery

Yes I agree - I drive to Halfords, hand over my credit card et voila - car battery is replaced. Simples ! Glad as a mere woman I earn enough money to be able to outsource this job.

ScartlettSole · 14/03/2026 20:51

I've changed a few car batteries, it's not overly complicated and a few you tube tutorials will show you how. But if you don't feel confident or even just don't want to, go to Halfords x

Tuesdayschild50 · 14/03/2026 20:31

Isn't this what garages are for.

BoarBrush · 14/03/2026 19:57

Neighbour? I know I could knock a few doors and they would help in an instant.

JohnBullshit · 14/03/2026 19:53

beeautifullif3 · 14/03/2026 19:37

Omfg honestly how do women manage these days !!! Its really not hard to change a car battery

Sheesh. Most of us have skills that allow us to swiftly complete practised tasks with ease. If OP's experience leaves her short of familiarity with every possible car battery, so what? No doubt there are other things she can do without turning a hair. I can't even lift a bloody car battery.

AmpleTraybake · 14/03/2026 19:48

Kardelen · 14/03/2026 10:12

how easy is it to change car batteries?
we changed my dads one a few years back, but it was me, my husband and dad.
i remember it being very heavy, and also having a small electric shock midway.

at the moment, I have two young children im caring for, and my elderly parents, and also my husband who is unwell.
so my husband can’t help, it’s out the picture. But my dad also can’t help as he is elderly, chronic pain, breathlessness etc, but is eager for me to buy it and thinks he can do it alone.

he was gonna ask my brother, but as usual very reluctant and im the go to person. But this time I said I can’t do it, but feeling guilty.

am I being unreasonable of not wanting to do it? - only because I remember last time it was 3 of us and we struggled.

No youre a woman
Go to a garage!!

Palpmoop · 14/03/2026 19:40

beeautifullif3 · 14/03/2026 19:37

Omfg honestly how do women manage these days !!! Its really not hard to change a car battery

There’s lots of things that are outsourced in life, considering what op is dealing with and the stress of last time, it’s hardly a how do women manage moment or some kind of failing to not know or want to do this.

beeautifullif3 · 14/03/2026 19:37

Omfg honestly how do women manage these days !!! Its really not hard to change a car battery

Sharptonguedwoman · 14/03/2026 19:04

It’s actually straight forward if you know what you’re doing but still a nuisance. My car has a battery issue and I’m confident in changing and charging it (bitter experience).
In your position I absolutely would not though. A garage should be able to do this in about 10minutes. Batteries are heavy and scary if you aren’t confident. OP, please go to a garage.

DontbesorrybeGiles · 14/03/2026 18:57

Easterbunnygettingawrapping · 14/03/2026 11:14

Dh has always sorted our cars out. Alone. It's a battery not a bloody engine.

How come you didn’t do it if it’s so easy?

Imlyingandthatsthetruth · 14/03/2026 18:54

Shade17 · 14/03/2026 17:01

Yes, but you can easily find out first whether that’s required or not and make an informed decision.

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Sure.

SleepingStandingUp · 14/03/2026 18:50

Coulddowithanap · 14/03/2026 17:58

😂

There are lots of people with DHs who love to do the car DIY .. like my DH.. and I do make him the tea 🤣

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But presumably you don't go on about how easy the car stuff is and how people should do it themselves when you don't do it?

ecogeorge · 14/03/2026 18:47

Be aware totally disconnecting the battery may need a radio code to unlock your radio again.
Surely a local garage will do it cheap -for future work ?