How to Replace a Car Battery
Do you own a car and you have no idea on how to install a new battery in your car? If the answer is “yes” then you will find this article helpful. Every car owner should at least know how to install a new battery in a car in the absence of an experienced auto mechanic who has experience in changing a car battery.
Installing a new battery in your car is quite easy if you know how to do it. The following steps will show you how to install a new battery in your car.
Things you will need
- A new battery
- A wrench
- A pair of gloves
- Protective goggles
-Baking soda solution
- A wire brush
- Lithium grease spray
Buy the correct battery
It is essential for you to buy the correct battery by making sure that you have the right specifications of the correct battery which is suitable for your car. If you are not sure of the specifications of the correct battery, you should take your car’s make, model and engine size information to your local auto store.
It is important for you to purchase the correct size of battery which has the appropriate electrical capacity suitable for your car. It is also important to take note of the fact that some states in the US will charge you a “core” fee (this is a fee you pay when you purchase a new battery) however if you take your old battery to your local auto store when purchasing a new battery you will be exempted from paying this fee.
Safety measures to observe
Park the car on a flat level surface as a safety precaution. Make sure that you are in a secure working environment. It is advisable for you to ensure safety when installing a new battery just in case there are sparks or any flames in proximity to the working area.
You should know that car batteries do contain sulfuric acid which is highly corrosive and is also highly flammable. Remember to wear gloves and goggles when installing a new battery to avoid any accidental spills and burns.
Record all the PINs (Personal Identification Numbers) for your electronic equipment before you remove the old battery. You can also check your car manual to see which devices in the car might be affected (the PIN codes can easily get erased once you disconnect the old battery).
How to remove the old battery from your car
Step one
Open the bonnet of your car and use a prop rod to hold the bonnet open before you can start the process of installing a new battery.
Step two
Most car batteries are located in an accessible part on either side of the car’s frame. The positive terminal has a plus sign while the negative terminal has a minus sign.
Use a wrench to loosen the negative cable clamp and gently slide it off the negative terminal. Repeat the above procedure when removing the positive terminal. It is important to note that the correct order to be followed when removing the old car battery is to first remove the negative terminal before your remove the positive terminal.
If this order is not followed then you might short circuit the positive terminal to the grounded part of your car. Remove the battery holder and remove any screws or clamps which are holding the battery in place.
Gently remove the old battery from the car after you have disconnected both terminals (the negative and positive) from the battery and you have unfastened the battery.
How to install a new battery in your car
Step one
Clean the terminal clamps
It is advisable for you tocleanthe terminal clamps and the battery tray before you install the new battery. You can use a solution of baking soda and a wire brush to clean the terminal clamps and battery tray and allow them to dry before you can install the new battery in your car.
Step two
After the terminal clamps and battery tray are completely dry, you can now install the new battery in your car. Gently lift the new battery and place it where the old battery was. Use a wrench to fasten the new battery with clamps and screws which hold the battery in place. Reconnect the positive terminal first followed by the negative terminal in their respective places.
Step three
After you have successfully installed the new battery, spray the terminals with lithium grease in order to prevent corrosion.
Step four
Close the bonnet of the car and start your car and test your new battery. Check to see if all the electronic devices in the car are functioning properly after installing the new battery in your car.
