Introduction

If your car’s battery is starting to show signs of age, it might be time for a change. If your car battery dies, it can be a pain to get it changed. But, it’s not as difficult as it may seem. Here are some simple, step-by-step instructions about how to safely change your dead battery. Changing your car battery is a simple automotive repair that anyone should be able to do.

Click here to take our fun, step-by-step course and quiz on Car Battery Installation- the fastest way to learn.​

You should always wear eye protection (safety glasses) and gloves or long sleeves when working with batteries to protect your eyes and hands from any battery acid that may spill out during installation or removal of the battery.

1. Park in a safe place, turn off the engine and remove your key from the ignition.
2. Locate the negative battery terminal. You can identify it by finding the black cable and a minus “-” sign on the battery.
3. Remove the negative cable.
4. Loosen and remove the battery bracket or battery hold-down clamp.
5. Remove the positive cable.
6. Clean your battery posts with a wire brush, piece of sandpaper or battery cleaning solution to remove any corrosion or dirt that may be present. Check out our post on The Best Way to Clean Car Battery Corrosion for some quick tips.
7. Position the replacement battery into the battery tray.
8. Reattach the positive terminal on the positive battery post.
9. Reattach the battery hold-down clamps or brackets.
10. Reattach the negative battery cable.
11. Finally, close up any panels or covers that were removed during the installation process.
12. Turn on the engine and check for any warning lights on your dashboard that may indicate electrical issues.

How to tell when your battery needs to be changed:

If your car battery is over three years old, it’s a good idea to have it tested annually to see if it needs to be replaced. Many auto parts stores will test your battery for free.

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You can also get a fair idea of the condition on your battery if you know how to read the state-of-charge indicator or battery light which is found on top of most maintenance-free batteries. Check out our article on Car Battery Green Light for a helpful primer on how to understand and use this so called “Magic Eye” on your battery.

There are a few signs that your battery may need to be replaced, even if it’s relatively new. One of the most common signs that your car battery needs to be changed is when it won’t start the engine. If you turn the key and nothing happens, it’s likely that your battery is the culprit.

Other signs that your battery might need to be changed include:

1. Dimming headlights,
2. Slow engine cranking, and
3. Unexplained electrical problems.
4. Swollen or leaking battery
5. Rotten egg smell from your battery

If you notice any of these issues, it’s best to get your battery checked as soon as possible.

What tools you need to remove and fit your car battery

The tools you need to remove and fit your battery will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. However, you’ll usually need:

1. Socket wrench set.
2. Socket wrench extension bar if the battery has a hold down.
3. Screwdriver to remove the plastic cover from the battery
4. Pair of pliers
5. A wire brush or piece of sandpaper (if your old battery is corroded or leaking).
6. Battery terminal puller (only if corrosion has damaged and fused the terminals onto the battery posts)

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Finding the location of the battery

It is important to know where your battery is located in your car to find it in case of an emergency. The battery is usually in the engine bay, and it is often mounted on one side of the engine. However, sometimes, the battery may be located under the seat or in the trunk. If you are unsure of the location of the battery, consult the owner’s manual or the dealership or just google it.

Conclusion

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In conclusion, changing a car battery is easy, but it requires a little practice. It’s also important to make sure you follow all safety precautions when dealing with acid. Battery fluid can burn your skin, damage the car engine block and any metal object it touches. It will also damage a concrete surface if it spills out. Properly dispose of the old dead car battery by taking it to a recycling center.