Battery fitting
Car battery registration
Some cars need the new battery written into the charging system, or they won't charge it properly. That's common on Volkswagen Group cars and on many BMWs and Minis. We'll do it at the car when we fit the battery.
Is this postcode in the fitting area?
What registration changes
Registration writes the new battery into the car so the charging strategy is not left on the old unit. The system may store type, capacity and the fact that the battery is new. Leave that unset and the car can undercharge a new battery, or keep stop-start switched off, because it still thinks the aged one is fitted.
It is done with a scan tool at the vehicle. It is not a sticker, and it is not the same thing as a memory saver clipped on to hold radio presets. Some cars lose one-touch windows or presets when the leads come off. That reset is separate from telling the battery monitor about the new pack.
Which cars commonly need it
Battery registration is commonly required on Volkswagen Group cars, including Volkswagen, Audi, Seat, Skoda and Cupra, and on many BMW and Mini models. On other marques it varies. A 2009 non-stop-start hatchback often has nothing to register. A recent stop-start saloon often does. The callback confirms the actual car.
AGM and EFB cars are the frequent cases, because those are the batteries the monitoring system was built around. An AGM must still be replaced with AGM whether or not registration is required. Registration does not give permission to downgrade the type.
How it sits inside the fit
The fitter comes to the parked car, fits the battery, secures the hold-down, then registers if that model needs it. Resting voltage is still checked: a healthy 12V battery rests around 12.6V. After the engine is running, charging voltage is often about 13.8 to 14.7V, with smart charging allowed to sit lower once the battery is reported full.
The alternator is not a bulk charger, and registration is what lets smart charging treat the battery as new. Skipping the step and hoping a long drive will sort it out is the wrong plan. If the case is cracked, leaking, swollen or frozen, there is no jump and no rush to connect leads before the replacement.
What to put on the quote
Make, model, year and engine if you know it, plus a photo of the battery label. Say whether stop-start is fitted. Type your mobile number. We call you back and say whether registration is part of that visit. The figure is for that car. This page has no price list.
Cover is mobile fitting in London, Birmingham and Manchester. There is no depot where you drop the car for coding. If the vehicle is in a live lane, call 999 before you ask for a quote.
| Point | Flooded | EFB | AGM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registration | Often not required on simple cars | Common when the car stores battery type | Common on AGM stop-start cars |
| Volkswagen Group | Confirm the car | Commonly required | Commonly required |
| BMW and Mini | Confirm the car | Commonly required on many models | Commonly required on many models |
| Other marques | Varies | Varies | Varies |
Questions before you send a quote
Is registration the same as coding the car?
On these cars, registration is the diagnostic step that records the new battery. It is done with a scan tool at the vehicle.
Which cars need it?
Commonly Volkswagen Group and many BMW and Mini models. It varies on other marques. We confirm the car on the callback.
What happens if it is skipped?
The charging profile can stay set for the old battery. Stop-start may remain off. A drive does not replace the step. The alternator is not a bulk charger.
How do I ask for it?
Add it to the quote form with your mobile number. We call you back. The fitter comes to the car in the three cities.