Car Battery Replacement

It can’t get worse than beginning the day with some car starting problem. In such a situation, a car battery replacement guide can be of immense help. Given below are some simple car battery replacement instructions which will make the already easy task, much more easier.

Though not cent percent, the chances of tracing your car starting problem all the way down to some fault with the battery are significant. And if the fault is something major, then you are left with no option but to go for a car battery replacement. But before you opt to replace your car battery with a new one, you need to make sure that it really needs replacement. After all, spending a significant amount of money and time on replacing the car battery, only to realize that the problem was not with the battery but some other component, can be utterly frustrating.

Car Battery Replacement Procedure At times, cleaning the sulfate build-up or charging the battery can solve car problems

associated with it. However, there are cases when replacing the car battery is the only option you have. Given below are step-by-step car battery replacement instructions you need to follow to execute this seemingly difficult task.

Buy a New Car Battery:

When buying a new car battery, make sure that you choose the right model. Cross check its specifications with those on the old battery. Checking for dimensions is also important, as car batteries come in various shapes and sizes today.

Safety Gear:

The most important thing when working in the hood of the vehicle is the use of safety gear, like safety goggles and gloves. Safety goggles are necessary as you are dealing with electric components which have the tendency to produce sparks. Gloves, on the other hand, are necessary as these batteries contain sulfuric acid which can be harmful for the skin.

Initial Preparation:

You can start by parking the car on a leveled surface, and make sure that you use the parking brake. Open the hood and locate the battery. This won’t be a difficult task as the battery is located in some easily accessible corner in the hood.

Identifying the Terminals:

Before removing the old battery, identify the positive and negative terminals as you will have to attach them properly to the new battery. For the purpose of identification the positive terminal will be marked by (+) sign, while the negative terminal will be marked by (-) sign. If they are not marked, you should ideally mark them with the respective signs so that you don’t get confused later on.

Removing the Terminals:

Always disconnect the negative terminal first, as disconnecting positive terminal first increases the chances of short-circuit in the cars electric system. These terminals are attached to the battery with clamps. Using a wrench you can loosen these clamps, and slide the terminals off the terminal posts of the battery.

Remove the Battery:

Next task is to remove the battery from the battery holder, for which you will have to remove all the screws which attach it to the holder. You should also take a note of the fact that even though the battery may seem to be quite small in size, it is considerably heavy.

New Battery Installation:

Now that the old battery is removed, half the task is done. Next you have to place the new battery in the battery holder, and replace all the screws to their respective places. If required, clean the battery holder before you place the new battery. Read more on car battery installation.

Connect the Terminals:

Next step towards car battery replacement is to put the terminals back to their respective places. Ideally, you should also clean the terminal clamps before attaching them to the battery. While attaching the terminals, attach the positive terminal first. Slide the clamp onto the terminal post and tighten it using a wrench. Repeat the same process with the negative terminal. Read more on how to clean battery terminals.

Use Lithium Grease:

After you are done with replacing your old car battery with new, you can apply some lithium grease onto the terminal in order to prevent battery terminal corrosion. After you are done with car battery replacement, just check to make sure that all the electrical components of the car are working properly. Read more on how to replace a car battery.

You should also go through:

• Check Car Battery
• Car Battery Testing
• How to Test a Car Battery This was a simple car battery replacement guide intended to make the task easier for you to execute. If you still think it is difficult, you can always resort to professional help. Generally, car battery replacement cost ranges anywhere between $30 to $150, depending on the brand you choose, your car model, etc. However, the best way out is to follow some simple car battery maintenance

tips, which will ensure that all your car battery problems are kept at bay, and you will save some of your hard earned money as well.