How to Change a Car Battery
Do you know how to change a traditional, gas-fueled car battery? Your vehicle's battery needs to be changed, on average, every four years.Changing a car battery is not as hard as it seems. It's a task that you can easily complete in under an hour with the right tools and instructions.By following these simple steps, you can change your car battery without trouble. Plus, you'll save yourself a trip to the mechanic – and some money in the process.Keep reading our easy-to-understand car battery guide to learn how to change a car battery like a pro!
The Basics: What Are Car Batteries?
A car battery is a rechargeable battery that starts the engine and powers the electrical systems in a vehicle. It is usually located in the engine compartment.A lead-acid battery generates electricity through a chemical reaction between lead plates and sulfuric acid. When the battery is first activated, it creates a voltage of 2 volts per cell. This voltage decreases as the battery discharges. The average car battery has six cells and produces 12 volts.The terminals of a car battery get covered with corrosion over time because of the sulfuric acid. If this corrosion builds up, it can create a short circuit and damage the battery or electrical system in the vehicle.
Battery Safety
It would help if you familiarized yourself with common battery safety precautions. When working with batteries, it is important to:
- Wear gloves and eye protection
- Work in a well-ventilated area
- Avoid dropping the battery
- Avoid sparks or flames
- Never smoke while working on a battery
When Should You Change Your Car Battery?
There are a few signs that your car battery may be due for a change. If you notice that your car is slow to start or that the battery light on your dashboard is illuminated, it's time to check your battery.You may also notice that your car's electrical accessories (like the radio or headlights) are dimming or flickering.You can check the battery by using a voltmeter. If it reads 12.6 volts or less, it needs to be replaced.
Gather What You Need
Before you begin, make sure that you have the following tools:
- A new car battery
- A wrench (or socket set)
- A pair of pliers
- A clean rag
- Some gloves (optional)
- A baking soda and water mixture (for cleaning)
- An old toothbrush (for cleaning)
Know What Kind of Battery You Need
First, you need to identify the type of battery your car needs. You can find the information in your car's owner's manual.Second, you need to consider the climate where you live. Batteries perform better in cold weather if designed for it, so if you live in a cold environment, get a battery labeled as "cold weather."Third, consider how often you use your car and how long you typically keep it turned off. You'll need a battery with a higher reserve capacity if you don't use your car often or keep it turned off for long periods.Finally, decide how much money you will spend on a battery. Batteries with more extended warranties and more features (like maintenance-free designs) will cost more.
Installing the New Battery
Once you have a new battery, it's time to install it. To do this, follow these steps to change your car battery:
Park Your Car and Turn It Off
Park your car in a safe and level spot. Turn off the engine and all electrical accessories. Make sure that your vehicle is in "park" and set the parking brake.
Pop the Hood and Locate the Battery
Open the hood of the car and locate the battery. It will be in a plastic or metal case and will have two posts coming out of it. The red one is positive (+), and the black one is negative (-).
Remove the Old Battery
Loosen the clamps that hold the battery in place with a wrench or pliers. There should be one clamp on each post. Disconnect the negative (black) cable from the battery terminal first. Then disconnect the positive (red) cable.Carefully remove the old battery from its casing by prying it off with a screwdriver if necessary. Set it on a stable surface away from anything that could spill, like water or gasoline.
Clean Up
Next, use the clean rag to wipe away any corrosion that has built up on the battery terminals. This will help to ensure that your new battery has a good connection.If there is a lot of corrosion, you can clean the terminals with a baking soda and water mixture. First, make a paste with baking soda and water. Then, use an old toothbrush to scrub the terminals with the paste.Once the terminals are clean, you can install the new battery.
Install the New Battery
Install the new battery in reverse order. Connect the (red) positive cable first and then the (black) negative cable.
Test the New Battery
Close the hood and start your car to test the new battery. If it starts, you're all set! If not, check the cables to make sure they are correctly connected.
If Your Car Still Won't Start
If changing the battery doesn't work, your car may have another problem. Try jump-starting your vehicle to see if that does the trick. If not, you may need to take it to a mechanic to diagnose the problem.
How to Extend the Life of Your Car Battery
Here are some car battery tips to help you extend the life of your new battery:Check the battery regularly. Use a voltmeter to check the voltage of your battery. If it is 12.6 volts or higher, it is fully charged. If it is 12.4 volts or lower, it needs to be charged.Keep the battery clean. Dirt and corrosion can prevent the battery from working correctly.Don't overcharge the battery. Once the battery is fully charged, disconnect it from the charger.Don't let the battery drain completely. Try to keep it above 20 percent.Store the battery in a cool and dry place.Batteries typically last between three and five years. However, if you take care of your battery, it may last even longer.
Now You Know How to Change a Car Battery
You've successfully learned how to change a car battery! With this new skill, you can keep your car running smoothly and avoid getting stranded with a dead battery.Please consult a professional mechanic if you have any questions or concerns about how to change a car battery. They will be able to help you with anything you need and answer any questions you may have.When you're ready to purchase a quality car battery that you can count on, order from us at RB Battery. Our batteries are designed for optimal performance and long life. We offer a variety of battery sizes to fit your car's make and model. Order your new battery today!