Replacing your car battery is an easy DIY task that you can perform in the comfort of your own garage or home workspace. Installing a top post car battery restores your car’s electrical systems and gives you the confidence to handle other easy maintenance tasks. Save money and get to know your vehicle with these steps.
Prepare Your Workspace
Changing a battery is a relatively easy task, but you still need to be cautious. Wearing protective gear can help you avoid electrocution or chemical burns. Most car batteries use lead plates and sulfuric acid, both of which can cause health issues. Here are the tools, auto parts and protective gear you need to replace a worn car battery:
- Car battery that matches your car’s specifications
- Wrench, pliers or socket set
- Screwdriver
- Gloves, protective shoes, safety glasses and work clothes
- Baking soda
- Wire brush or old toothbrush
- Rags
If your car is still running, park it in a well-lit, shielded area. Don’t attempt to remove a battery in the rain or in low-light conditions, as these factors could increase the risk of electrocution. It’s best to remove your battery after your car has completely cooled down. This isn’t essential, but it can prevent accidental burns as you pop the hood and work in your car’s engine compartment.
Remove Your Worn Battery
Your old auto battery can vary in size, location and strap setup, so start by reviewing your owner’s manual to find out more about the location of your battery. You’ll be removing three key components before taking the battery out of your vehicle: the negative cable, positive cable and any battery strap or cover.
Always remove the components in that precise order. The positive battery terminal is red, marked with a plus sign and typically covered by a plastic cover. This is because you could receive an electric shock by touching this battery terminal first or by connecting the two terminals together.
The negative cable is black, gray or unpainted. It’s connected to the other terminal on your battery. Remove this cable first using your adjustable wrench or appropriate socket wrench. Once removed, place the cable safely away from the battery.
Remove the positive battery cable the same way and place it away from your battery. Most batteries have some sort of strap, cover or other device to prevent them from moving as you drive. This piece needs to be removed with a wrench or screwdriver, depending on your vehicle.
Carefully remove the old battery. Prepare to take it to a safe recycling center as soon as possible. One of the most convenient places to take a worn battery is your local auto parts store. Install your new battery using the same steps, only in reverse.
Shop for a New Car Battery Today
Never attempt to install a battery that doesn’t fit the specifications of your particular vehicle. Shop for new car or powersports batteries online or at your local auto parts store for a convenient auto maintenance project. Order the right parts, tools and protective gear you need to take on this common maintenance task.