Even a well-maintained car battery will become depleted over time and eventually lead to hard starting. To save wear on your starter and to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape, changing the car battery will be required every three to five years under normal circumstances. In regions of extreme weather, a battery might need replacement more often. Following these easy steps, you can safely remove the old battery and install the new one.
Removing the old battery:
Many automotive chains that sell car batteries will give a customer credit for an old battery because the core is recyclable. Moreover, it is illegal to throw a car battery in the trash in most states, making it convenient to trade in the old battery when you get a new one. If your automotive retailer does not recycle old batteries, contact the Automobile Association of America (AAA) or check their website for battery recycling information in your area.A car battery is filled with corrosive acid that is potentially explosive and can cause serious injury, easily burning through clothes and skin. Do not expose the battery to flame, sparks, or incendiary devices, including cigarettes. Wear protective eyewear such as clear workman’s goggles and/or a face shield with protective clothing. Do not lean over the battery when performing these steps.
The battery terminals are labeled + (red/positive) and – (black/negative). Disconnect the negative terminal first and flex the cable away from the battery. Next disconnect the positive terminal. Finally disconnect the top clamp that holds the car battery down. Do not lay tools across the top of the battery. A conductive metal might touch both terminals simultaneously causing a short, sparks, or a potential explosion.
A car battery weighs 32 pounds (14.5 kg) or more and should be lifted out of the automobile with extreme care. Do not tip or drop the battery. Many newer batteries are made with a handy strap handle. Battery straps are also available at automotive shops. Alternately, you can lift the car battery straight up and out by holding it at opposite corners.
Clean the battery cables, pan and clamp. If there is corrosion present (white powder), neutralize it with a mixture of baking soda and water using an old toothbrush.
Installing the new car battery:
When purchasing a new car battery, confirm that the negative and positive terminal posts are on the same side of the battery as your old one. Connecting the battery reversed can cause serious damage to your car. For your own safety, purchase a car battery that has had the electrolyte premixed and added by the retailer, and is already partially charged.
Carefully lower the new car battery into place. Make sure it is sitting flat in the battery pan, and not on the lip. Swing the top clamp into place and secure the battery by tightening down the clamp.
Many new batteries come with a protective plastic cap on each terminal post. Remove the positive plastic cap if present, and smear some petroleum jelly on the terminal post. This will help prevent corrosion. Connect the positive cable and tighten it. Repeat this process for the negative cable. (This is the reverse order of disconnecting the battery.) Be sure to remove all tools before closing the hood.
It’s a good idea to drive the car for thirty minutes or more once the new battery is installed. Highway driving is more helpful than stop and go driving. The battery will charge faster if drains are kept at a minimum, such as air conditioning, stereos and unnecessary lights.
Check the water in your battery periodically, more often during hot weather. Use only distilled water to keep the electrolyte fluid at its proper mark. If the vehicle sits unused for long periods of time, purchasing a Battery Minder or Battery Tender is a good idea. Either product will keep the battery fully charged between uses, extending its life
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