How to Change Your Car’s Battery

Jul 6, 2015

Changing your car’s battery is a simple process that every driver should know how to do. A dead battery can leave you in a tough situation with your car unable to start. To prevent getting stuck, be sure to have your battery tested regularly and replace it when needed.

Follow these easy steps to replace your vehicle’s battery.

Locate Your Battery

Shut off your vehicle, make sure it is in park, and set the parking break before opening the hood. Check your owner’s manual for the location of the battery in the engine compartment if you cannot find the battery. Be sure to identify both the positive and negative battery cables before beginning any work.

Remove Battery Cables and Clamps

Use a wrench to first disconnect the negative battery cable from the negative terminal, which may be designated by a black cable, a “-“, or a “NEG”. Then disconnect the battery cable connected to the positive terminal. The positive terminal may be marked with a “+” or a “POS”. Never allow tools or other objects to be in contact with both the positive and negative battery ports at the same time.

Detach the clamps holding the battery in position using your wrench, and then remove the battery from your car. Be careful when handling the battery as battery acid can be corrosive.

Clean up Corrosion

While wearing gloves, clean up any rust or corrosion left behind in the battery tray. You can use either a mixture of baking soda and water or a cleaning solution designed specifically for batteries.

Install New Battery

Once the battery tray is clean and dry, place the new battery in the battery tray. Secure it with the hold-down clamps before attaching and tightening the positive battery cable. Attach the negative battery cable last.

Check to make sure all of the bolts are tightened and the battery cannot wiggle out of place. Recycle the old battery when you are finished.