How To Change A Car Battery

Changing a car battery is one of those tasks, like replacing a tire or changing the oil, that most people can do without professional help. Unlike changing the oil, however, this job does require the use of a few specific tools. Having a good wrench on hand is the most important, as batteries tend to be secured into the engine block using bolts of various size.

You will also want to keep workmen’s gloves or even latex gloves on hand for the simple reason that most automotive engines are suffused with oil and grease for consistent operation. Finally, grab water and a rag as simple cleaning measures can go a long way toward giving you reliable performance for years to come.

Your first step is to buy a replacement battery that suits your engine’s specs. Although most people simply read what they have on their existing battery and head to the store, you may get considerable benefit by upgrading to a different chemistry or a battery with more intelligent current management.

Some of the best-selling products in the country now contain built-in hardware you can use in the case of a dead battery, and several are specifically rated for cold weather use and the like.

Open the hood and remove both leads to your car’s existing battery. You want to disconnect the black lead first, followed by the red, as this order helps prevent electrical shock and a dangerous short circuit. Once the terminals are disconnected, removing the battery requires that you unscrew the bracket holding it in place.

Once again, caution counts here – although the risk of shock is minimal, you want to avoid making contact with conductive metal engine parts if at all possible. Lift the battery out of the engine by bending with your knees and supporting it from beneath – car batteries can be astonishingly heavy! Dispose of the discarded battery at your local repair shop.

Installing the new battery is as simple as reversing what you just did. Make sure the cable terminals are clean and unobstructed first, however, as the last thing you want is for a flawless battery to be rendered useless by poor contacts. Water and a stiff brush are usually sufficient to clean these terminals, though in extreme cases you may want to try baking soda or a dedicated battery cleaning solution from your local auto store. Attach the connectors to the new battery, screw the bracket into place, close the hood and try the ignition.