You surely do not want to get stuck in the middle of the road because your car stopped working suddenly. We take care of the exterior of our cars often but fail to keep a check on the inside parts, which is crucial. One essential component of our cars is the battery which needs constant maintenance and replacement after a certain period of time.
You can easily change your car battery at home and save time and money! In this article, we are going to provide a step-by-step guide on how you can change your car battery yourself.
See also: How to jump start car?
Changing a car battery: Necessary equipment
- A new battery (similar to your old one, so it matches the car’s requirements).
- Safety gear such as gloves and goggles.
- Ratchet set and adjustable wrench or socket.
- Battery cleaning solution (or baking soda).
Safety measures
- Park your car in the open and away from open sparks or any flames, as it can lead to a hazardous situation.
- It’s crucial to turn off your automobile and take the key out of the ignition.
- Always wear safety gloves and goggles to avoid contact with sparks. It is also important to wear goggles as the acid in the battery can cause damage.
- Make sure that no electrical component is turned on as it can lead to sparks and cause a fire.
Start with the battery replacement process
Where is the battery?
The first step while changing your car battery is to locate it in the engine. If you’re new to this, you can refer to the car manual to learn about the placement.
Disconnect the cables
With the help of a tool ( such as the wrench or socket and ratchet), remove the cables connected to the battery one by one. First, disconnect the negative cable ( it will generally have a black minus sign beside the terminal), then remove the positive cable ( it is the cable denoted with the red plus sign).
Remove the old battery carefully
Now that you have disconnected the battery with the cables, you can remove it from its place. Batteries are generally heavy and you should take the necessary help or use the necessary equipment in order to avoid an injury.
Cleaning first
Before changing the battery, clean the cable ends and the battery terminals properly. You can use a wire brush with baking soda and water solution to clean it properly. If there is corrosion, you can use a battery terminal cleaner solution.
Put the new battery in its place
Now carefully place the new battery and connect the cables again. Remember, the positive (+) cable should be connected to the positive terminal, while the negative (-) cable should be attached to the negative terminal.
Fix the cables
First, fix the battery cable clamps with your hands and then use a tool such as a wrench. It is important to be cautious while using such tools so you don’t end up over-tightening the cables and damaging them.
Test everything
After successfully installing the new battery, start your car’s engine to check whether everything is working the same way.
FAQs
When should I change my car battery?
Generally, you change your car battery every 3-5 years, but it also depends on things like weather and driving habits.
Can I change the battery type?
No, you cannot fit any type of battery in your car, and you should strictly adhere to the one that the car manufacturer suggested.
What should I do with the old battery?
Do not throw away the old battery. Instead, dispose it by giving it to a recycling centre or an auto parts store.
How will I know if my battery needs to be changed?
A major sign of a failing car battery is reduced car efficiency.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
