Should I Change My Car Battery Myself?

Should I Change My Car Battery Myself?

Replacing a car battery can be a relatively simple DIY project, even for first-time mechanics, but there are some important things to keep in mind. After all, traditional car batteries do contain dangerous chemicals, like lead and acid, and they can weigh as much as 40 or 50 lbs. So be sure to exercise caution when carrying or lifting a car battery.

A few other safety tips for changing a car battery include

• Park on a level surface and engage the parking brake.

• Turn off the engine and remove the key.

• Wear eye protection and gloves.

What Kind of Battery Should I Use for My Car?

You should always start with your vehicle’s owner’s manual anytime you’re replacing a part, and that definitely includes when you’re swapping batteries. You’ll need to know proper battery size and power output, and some automakers recommend specific battery brands. A tip for battery quality is to look at its warranty. Better-quality batteries usually have longer warranties, too.

What Tools Do I Need to Change My Battery?

One reason changing batteries is a great way to get comfortable working on a car is that you don’t need many expensive and complicated tools. You can get by with basics such as:

• Wrench (size depends on your car's battery terminals)

• Socket wrench (optional, for some hold-down clamps)

• Baking soda (for cleaning corrosion)

• Wire brush (for cleaning corrosion)

• Anti-corrosion spray or terminal grease (optional, to prevent future corrosion)

How Do I Change a Car Battery?

You can follow the steps below to get your car charged up and ready to go with its new battery in as few as 15 minutes!

1. Locate the Battery: It's usually found under the hood, secured in a plastic tray. Consult your owner's manual if you have trouble finding it.

2. Identify the Terminals: The positive terminal will have a red cable and a "+" symbol. The negative terminal will have a black cable and a "-" symbol.

3. Disconnect the Negative Terminal First:  Loosen the nut or bolt securing the negative terminal cable with your wrench. Be careful not to let any metal tools touch both terminals simultaneously, as this can cause a spark.  Once loose, remove the cable and terminal from the battery post. Secure the cable away from the battery with a zip tie or similar to prevent accidental contact.

4. Disconnect the Positive Terminal: Repeat step 3 for the positive terminal.

5. Remove the Battery Hold-Down Clamp:  This may involve a bolt or nut you can loosen with your wrench or socket wrench (depending on your car).

6. Lift Out the Old Battery: Be cautious, as car batteries can be heavy. If possible, have someone help you lift it out.

7. Clean the Battery Compartment (Optional): You can use a baking soda and water solution to clean any corrosion from the battery compartment.

8. Prepare the New Battery:  Remove the plastic caps from the terminals (if present) and consider applying a thin layer of anti-corrosion spray or terminal grease to the terminals.

9. Install the New Battery: Place the new battery in the compartment, ensuring the positive and negative terminals align with the corresponding cables.

10. 10. Reattach the Terminals: Following the reverse order of removal, secure the positive terminal first, then the negative terminal. Tighten the nuts or bolts with your wrench, but don't over-tighten.

11. Test the Connections: Try gently moving the battery to see if it's secure.  Reconnect the hold-down clamp and tighten it securely.

12. Close the Hood and Start the Engine: If the car starts without issue, you've successfully replaced the battery!

Finally, don’t forget to dispose of the old battery responsibly. Many auto parts stores and repair shops will accept them for recycling. In fact, you’ll often have to pay a “core charge” when buying a new battery that’s something like a bottle deposit, meaning you get it back when you return your old battery.

Now that you know more about changing your car’s battery, you can start shopping here, start selling here, and enjoy the whole HMSMC site from wherever you have an Internet connection.