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How to Change a Car Battery
4 Simple Steps to Changing Your Car Battery
So, you need to replace your car battery and you're thinking about doing it yourself? We can help! Even if you're a first-timer, changing a car battery can be a fairly quick and easy process as long as you have the right equipment and follow instructions. Use this guide from Batteries Plus Bulbs to help you get started, and follow the simple steps to disconnect your old car battery and install your new one.
Part 1: Getting Prepped
Before changing a car battery, you need the right supplies and tools to get the job done well. Keep gloves and protective glasses ready – after all, safety always comes first. Then, make sure you've got the necessary tools, including a battery tender, a socket set to remove brackets and cleaning supplies, like baking soda, a brush and corrosion protection spray.
Find the Right Replacement Car Battery
Of course, you'll also need a new battery to replace the old one you're removing. Find the best battery for your car at Batteries Plus. We can help you get the right fit for your make and model.
Already know what you need? Search our wide selection of car and truck batteries for the brand, model and year of your vehicle.
Once you've got your new battery and supplies, you're ready to move onto the next phase.
Part 2: Disconnecting and Removing a Car Battery
Wearing your gloves and safety glasses, follow these simple steps to disconnect the car battery and remove it safely:
- Pop the hood and locate the battery.
- Unfasten the screws or restraining system holding the battery in place.
- Locate the terminals/posts.
- Before disconnecting cables, use a battery tender to ensure the electronic settings, like radio presets and seat settings, aren't lost.
- Disconnect the negative terminal first, then the positive one.
- Lift the battery out.
- Clean the battery tray and terminal clamps – you can use baking soda mixed with water as a cleaner, then grab a brush to scrub the corrosion.
Part 3: New Car Battery Installation
With a freshly cleaned setting, you can begin the battery installation process by following these steps:
- Insert the new battery into the tray.
Tip: Use a permanent marker to write the date you bought the battery somewhere on the battery sticker as a record. - Spray metal components with anti-corrosion spray.
- Using a battery tender, connect the positive terminal with the positive cable.
- Connect the negative terminal with the negative cable.
- Remove the battery tender.
- Secure the battery with the clamp or bracket that holds it in place.
- Tighten all fasteners, close the hood and start car to check that everything is working correctly.
Bonus: Support the lifespan and performance of your current battery with our tips on keeping batteries fresh.
Part 4: Disposing the Old Battery
Once you've got your new battery properly installed, you need to safely dispose of the old one. Drop it off at the recycling program at any Batteries Plus Bulbs store location for safe, convenient and eco-friendly battery disposal.
Now you know how to change a car battery yourself. If you decide you don't want to try DIY car battery installation, we offer installation on most vehicles at participating stores. Contact a Batteries Plus near you to learn more.
Need Help Finding Your Battery
If you’re unsure which battery is right for your vehicle, we can help you find it quickly and confidently. Just tell us your car’s make, model, and year, and our online tools will match you with the exact battery your vehicle needs. Fast, simple, and accurate guidance right at your fingertips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can. Before you attempt to do this, however, be sure that you have the proper safety equipment, including safety gloves and protective eyewear. You'll also need a battery Tender, a socket set to remove brackets and a supply of cleaning supplies, including baking soda, a brush and anti-corrosion spray.
- What happens if you disconnect the positive terminal on a car battery first?
If you remove the positive cable first, there is a chance your tool may come in contact with a metal surface on the vehicle and short out the battery, which can damage your electrical system. When the positive terminal is disconnected, it will arc when it comes into contact with just about any unpainted metal part of the car. The terminal doesn't have to touch a metal part directly, it can (and will) go through metal tools (like a spanner, screwdriver or pliers). The reason this arcing occurs is that, as stated above, the negative terminal is connected to the body of the car (through a few bolts). Therefore, touching the positive terminal to the body of the car completes the circuit - What happens if you connect the negative terminal first?
When the negative terminal is disconnected, it can't arc, only the negative battery post itself can. - Should I remove positive or negative first?
Definitely remove the negative terminal first.
There can be some inherent risk to changing a car battery. Cracks and corrosion from the old battery can cause some dangerous battery acid leakage. The battery can also still produce a charge, even when the car is off, so you have to keep in mind that you're working with electricity. Be sure that you're working with the proper safety equipment and be sure to follow directions exactly.
Skip the hassle of installing it yourself and visit your nearest Batteries Plus. We offer expert battery installation on most model cars and trucks at most locations. Even better, you can schedule your arrival time online to help save time.
A typical car battery will last between 3 and 5 years. If it takes you multiple attempts to start your car or truck, there's a good chance your battery needs to be replaced. You can also take a look at the battery itself. If you find corrosion on the terminals or the battery itself has a misshapen appearance, it's probably time for a replacement.