Simple Steps for Car Battery Replacement

Maybe your check engine light has suddenly turned on, or perhaps your engine is slow to start or experiencing electrical issues. These are often telltale signs that your car battery might need replacement. While the best response is always to take your vehicle in to get it checked out if you’re set on doing the car battery replacement yourself, here are some tips to help you along with the process.

Quick Tips

If you’re looking to start the process of replacing your own car battery, there are a few important things to consider before you begin. Make sure you do your research and get the correct battery for your car. Different engines need different batteries, so it’s important to check out all of the batteries designed for your specific vehicle. Make sure your car is parked on a level service in a private location and that you have the correct materials such as eye protection and latex gloves. Make sure throughout the process that you’re keeping the negative and positive materials away from each other to prevent sparks, and don’t forget to dispose of the replaced battery at your local recycling center!

Prepare Your Materials

Before you begin the replacement process, make sure you have all the necessary tools on hand and easily accessible. Apart from protective eyewear and latex gloves, you will also need a spanner and socket wrench, an extension bar, some old rags, sandpaper, your vehicle handbook, and of course your car battery replacement.

A Step-by-Step Guide

• Step 1: Make sure your keys are removed from the ignition and take a look at your vehicle handbook. Find your car battery under your car’s bonnet, and keep in mind it might be necessary for you to take off a plastic cover to access it.
• Step 2:Identify the battery terminal attached to the red wires- this is your positive terminal. The terminal attached to the black wires is the negative one. Always start with your negative terminal, remove the retaining nut, and cover the negative terminal with one of your rags to avoid electric shocks. Next, remove the retaining nut from the positive terminal and cover it with a rag as well.
• Step 3:Use your socket or spanner to de-attach the securing bolt holding the battery. Then, remove the battery securing clamp. For the removal, you might need to use a wrench or extension bar.
• Step 4:Lift the battery out and keep it upright to avoid acid spillage.
• Step 5:Insert the new battery, re-attach the securing clamp and tighten the securing bolt.
• Step 6: Make sure to clean your battery terminals in order to prevent any corrosion. You might want to use sandpaper for this process. Attach the positive battery terminal first, then the negative one. Finally, replace the terminal covers and the plastic battery cover if your car has one. After this, you’re all set!

Get Car Battery Replacement & More Today!

It’s so important whenever you’re doing any vehicle repairs that you connect with a registered auto-repair shop if possible. If you’re looking for incredible auto-repair service, get in touch with us at Fred’s Auto Repair.

We offer top-quality service and even have partnerships with local businesses to make sure you’re well taken care of while you’re waiting for your vehicle’s service. Make an appointment today and let us take care of all your vehicle needs!