How to Change Your Car Battery

Things You'll Need

New Battery
Socket Wrench or Adjustable Wrench
Safety Goggles
Rubber Gloves
Wire & Battery Brush
Jug of Water
Can of Primer
White Grease

A battery is the main power source of all your vehicle operations including interior and exterior lights, engine start up, and all safety signals. The average life span of a battery can be up to 5 years but varies from car to car. Proper maintenance of the battery can reduce the likelihood of battery failure but it still may occur. Some of the reasons why battery failure occurs include variations from hot to cold climates, vibrations, undercharging, and overcharging. Most car owners are unaware that new market vehicles come equipped with an advanced computer management system that consistently evaluates vehicle conditions. Because of this system there is a minimal but constant power drain on the battery even if the automobile is parked. Therefore, extended idle periods of these vehicles may cause the battery to fail.

Battery replacement is a fairly simple procedure but can become a very difficult task if there is sever corrosion. If it’s extremely corroded do not attempt to replace the battery yourself, please take it to a professional. Remember when locating the correct battery for your vehicle at the local auto part store; bring the original battery with you. In this manner you can quickly find the correct battery and you can give your old battery to the store so that it may be recycled. A high quality battery will have a high reserve capacity that is over 80 minutes and cold-cranking amps of over 500.

Before starting the replacement procedure, please wear your safety goggles and your rubber gloves. Rubber gloves, similar to doctor gloves, are optional but it is advisable to wear them because they keep you hands clean and protects you from any leaking battery acid. Battery acid contains sulfuric acid which is extremely corrosive and will burn anything that it comes in contact with.

Warning: Do not smoke during this task. Work in a well ventilated area and away from open flames.

Steps

Disconnect the negative cable first and then disconnect the positive cable.
Now remove the battery hold down clamp which should be either along the top of the battery or on the tray clamped on the side of the battery.
When everything is removed carefully lift the battery in an upward motion. Wherever the temporary storage for the battery is, make sure there is something underneath the battery so it’s not directly touching the ground. A piece of cardboard or piece of wood will suffice.
Observe the battery tray. If there is excess corrosion it would be a good idea to fix it. First clean off all the corrosion by pouring a generous amount of water all over the affected area. Wait until the tray is dry then spray the tray with a can of primer so the material will be strong and not deteriorate any further.
Position the newly purchased battery in the tray and reinstall the clamp.
With a top terminal battery, clean the cables with a battery brush and terminal posts with a wire brush. With a side terminal battery, just clean the terminals with a wire brush. Make sure with both types of batteries that there is no corrosion of the battery cables.
When attaching the battery cables please connect the positive battery first then the negative battery.
Use the white grease on the terminals so they are protected and do not corrode.
The final step is to turn the ignition on and start the car to observe if everything is working properly.

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Tips

Before starting the replacement of the battery, make sure ignition is in the off position and all lights are turned off.

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