The DIY Guide To Replacing Your Car Battery

Ahmad Al-Khairy in MSN

5/6/24

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Learning how to change a car battery is a valuable skill that can save you time, money, and the inconvenience of being stranded with a vehicle that won’t start. It’s a relatively simple process that requires a few tools and a bit of know-how. In this article, we will guide you through the steps and provide tips to ensure you can replace a car battery safely and efficiently.

Why Knowing How to Change a Car Battery is a Must for Every Driver

Every driver knows the dread of turning the key in the ignition and hearing nothing but a sputter. This is often a sign that your car battery is failing. Understanding how to change a car battery is crucial because it ensures you’re not solely dependent on roadside assistance or garages, which can be costly and not always available immediately. Moreover, it’s a quick task that can get you back on the road in no time, especially in urgent situations.

A person cranking over the engine using a key.

Firstly, the symptoms of a dying battery include a slow engine crank, dim lights, and the battery warning light on your dashboard. If you notice these signs, it’s likely time for a change. Before you start, ensure you have the right tools—namely, a wrench set, a pair of gloves, and safety glasses to protect your eyes from any corrosive substances.

Steps to Safely Remove Your Old Car Battery

Safety should always be your top priority when dealing with car batteries. Begin by ensuring your vehicle is on a flat surface with the engine turned off and the keys removed. It’s wise to wear gloves and eye protection to shield yourself from the battery acid.

Open the hood and locate the battery.
Detach the negative cable first; this is usually marked with a minus (-) sign or covered in black. (It’s crucial to start with the negative to prevent any electrical short circuits.)

Closeup of someone's hands using a ratchet to loosen battery terminal nuts.

Once disconnected, move on to the positive cable, marked with a plus (+) sign and typically covered in red.
After both cables are detached, you can remove any clamps or screws holding the battery in place.

Person removing car battery from under the hood.

Carefully lift the battery out of the bracket, keeping it upright to avoid any leaks.
The battery will likely be heavy, so make sure to have a clear and secure area to place it on after removal.

Choosing the Right Battery and Installing It Correctly

Selecting the right battery for your car is vital. Check your vehicle’s manual for the correct specifications, or seek advice from a trusted auto parts store. When purchasing a new battery, consider factors like size, warranty, and cold cranking amps (CCA), especially if you live in a colder climate. Also, some batteries are mounted in the trunk and require a venting tube, limiting your choices of which batteries you can use.

A selection of car batteries at a part store display.

To install the new battery, place it in the battery bracket and secure it with the clamps or screws you removed earlier. If your battery cable connections are rusty, you might want to use an abrasive brush to clean them. Attach the positive cable first, this time to minimize the risk of sparks. Ensure the connections are tight and secure. Then, attach the negative cable. Once both cables are securely connected, give them a little tug to make sure they won’t slip off.

Importance of Visually Checking Your Car’s Battery

Although a car battery can function flawlessly every time you turn the ignition key, you might still want to regularly inspect it for visual signs of failure. Regardless of how new or used a car battery is, it can still leak acid, which can typically be seen around the terminals. Once a battery leaks, its performance is compromised, and you might experience safety hazards if you continue using it.

A car battery leaking acid from its terminals.

The color of the car battery acid that leaks can vary, so look out for green, white, or even sometimes purplish chunks of crystal-like material on the battery. You shouldn’t touch the acid with your bare hands; instead, wear thick gloves to clean the acid off the terminals using an abrasive brush. However, if the leak is happening from the seams of the battery or because of physical damage, a battery replacement is a must.

Maintaining Your Battery to Prolong Its Life

Regular maintenance can extend the life of your car battery significantly. Keep the battery clean from dirt and grime, which can cause a discharge or corrosion over time. Check the terminals occasionally for signs of corrosion and clean them with a brush if necessary. Additionally, ensure the battery is firmly secured in its place to prevent damage from vibrations.

A battery tender used to keep car battery charged.

Another tip is to keep your car in regular use. Long periods of inactivity can deplete a battery’s charge. If you plan not to use your car for an extended period, consider investing in a battery maintainer to keep it charged. As a good rule of thumb, you should drive your vehicle at least once a week for a good long drive; idling isn’t insufficient to let the alternator recharge the car battery even if you wait 20 to 30 minutes.

Changing a car battery is a straightforward task that can make a significant difference in emergency situations. By learning how to change a car battery, you empower yourself to handle car troubles independently, ensuring peace of mind and saving potential costs from professional services. Remember, the key to success is following safety protocols, choosing the right battery, and performing regular maintenance to keep your battery running smoothly.

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FAQs

How to clean battery acid?

Neutralize the acid with a baking soda-water solution, scrub away corrosion, rinse with water, and dispose of materials properly. (Some batteries are refillable, but make sure to do your research) Ensure safety gear, like gloves and goggles, is worn throughout the process.

How to take a battery out of a car?

Disconnect the negative terminal first, followed by the positive; remove any hold-down clamps, then carefully lift the battery out of the tray. Always work in a well-ventilated area and ensure the car is turned off before starting the removal process.

How to put a battery in a car?

Position the new battery securely in the tray, reconnect the positive terminal first, then the negative, and double-check all connections for tightness. Before starting, ensure the car is turned off and parked safely, and avoid touching the terminals with bare hands to prevent electrical shocks. (Some car models require batteries to be reprogrammed, especially newer high-end models)