Car batteries won't last forever. You'll probably need a new battery if your headlights don't shine brightly or if your car won't start. Either way, it's a good idea to replace your battery every three to seven years. You can of course take your car to a reliable garage for a new battery, but you can also do it yourself. In most cars and vans, it's a quick and easy job, and requires few tools.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Do you need a new battery?
Step 1. Determine if the battery needs to be replaced
It is a waste to spend time and money changing your battery if the problem is not caused by the battery. Keep the following three things in mind:
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Look for traces of oxidized acid around the battery terminals, which is a white or bluish substance - the problems can go away if you remove these residues. It may indicate a poor seal at the battery terminals, which can cause acid to leak to the terminals. Caution: Do not touch this stuff with your bare hands, as it can contain sulfuric acid that can cause burns.
Change a Car Battery Step 1Bullet1 - Give the battery the chance to fully charge by driving for 30 minutes while using as little power as possible (also turn off the air conditioning).
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Finally, it is important to check the alternator. In some cars you will find a built-in voltmeter. With the engine on, the alternator should provide a voltage of 13.8 to 14.2 volts if the entire charging system is functioning properly. With the engine off, the battery should indicate a voltage of 12.4 to 12.8 volts, with the lights and radio off.
Change a Car Battery Step 1Bullet2
Step 2. Buy the correct battery for replacement
Find out which type and size of battery you are going to replace and take this information to a car parts store. In addition, you need to know the type of car, the year of manufacture and the engine type. This is important information as there are many types of batteries in all sizes and capacities, you need a battery that fits in the battery holder and is suitable for your specific car.
For some types of battery, an additional disposal fee must be paid upon purchase
Method 2 of 5: Before removing the battery
Step 1. Prepare a suitable work environment
Park your car on a level surface away from traffic, sparks or open flames. Apply the handbrake. Do not smoke, and let any smokers in your work area know that they are not allowed to smoke. Electricity is not the only danger; Batteries contain a solution of sulfuric acid and electrolytes, this solution is highly toxic (it can cause burns) and it produces a flammable hydrogen gas. Wear gloves and safety glasses.
Step 2. Remove the cigarette lighter and insert a device with which you can save settings into the hole
By using such a device you can keep the pin codes and settings of your radio and navigation systems intact when you disconnect the battery. If you don't have that, you need to remember all the pin codes before you start. Check in your manual for which devices the settings will disappear.
Step 3. Open the hood
After opening the hood, use the hood support to hold it open (most newer cars have a hood that stays open without a support.
On some cars, the battery is not under the hood, but in the trunk, for example, so the hood may not have to be opened
Method 3 of 5: Removing the old battery
Step 1. Locate the battery
The battery is probably located in an accessible location on the side of the engine compartment. The battery looks like a rectangular box with two cables attached. On some cars (such as BMWs) the battery is located under a flap in the rear seat. In other cars you will find the battery under the back seat. But usually the battery is in the engine compartment.
Step 2. Distinguish the battery terminals
Check where the negative and positive battery terminals are on the battery. The positive battery terminal is indicated by a plus sign (and is usually red) and the negative battery terminal is indicated by a minus sign (and is usually black).
Step 3. Disconnect the negative battery terminal
Loosen the negative battery clamp with a wrench (usually 8 or 10 mm) and slide the clamp off the battery terminal. If the cables are not marked, you must first attach a clear label to them so that you do not turn them around (this can damage your car's electrical system). It is also important that you first disconnect the negative battery terminal and only then the positive. Otherwise, a short circuit may occur if the positive terminal comes into contact with a grounded part of the vehicle.
Step 4. Disconnect the positive battery terminal
Step 5. Remove the battery
Loosen the battery holder brackets by removing the screws. Carefully lift the battery out of the car. A battery usually weighs between 13 and 27 kilos, so ask someone to help you if you have a problem with your back.
Method 4 of 5: Installing the new battery
Step 1. Thoroughly clean the battery terminals and battery holder
You can use a solution of baking soda and a wire brush for this. If the battery terminals or battery terminals are very corroded, it may be a good idea to have it done by a garage. Otherwise, allow the cleaned parts to dry thoroughly before proceeding to the next step.
Step 2. Replace the battery
Place the new battery in place of the old battery, with the positive and negative terminals on the correct side. Retighten all screws, clamps, and brackets holding the battery in place.
Step 3. Reattach the positive battery terminal
Tighten the battery clamp with a wrench.
Step 4. Reattach the negative battery terminal
Tighten the battery clamp with a wrench.
Step 5. Apply battery grease
Spray the battery terminals with lithium grease to prevent corrosion.
Step 6. Close the hood
Close the hood firmly and start the car. Check that all electronic devices are working. Remove the device you used to store your car's settings and codes.
Method 5 of 5: Disposing of the old battery
Step 1. You can take your old battery to a municipal waste point, or to a garage or auto parts store
You may have to pay something for that, but you can never dispose of your battery in the residual waste.
With some types of battery you already pay a disposal fee upon purchase
Tips
- If your alarm goes off when installing a new battery, put your key in the ignition and turn it to the first position. This way your car alarm knows that the car is not stolen.
- Before installation, remove the plastic caps from the battery terminals of the new battery. If you forget that, the car won't start and the plastic will melt.
- At many garages you can have the entire charging system checked. They can then advise you on what needs to be done.
- If necessary, restart electrical appliances by entering the PIN code.
- Larger cars sometimes have multiple batteries, often in different locations.
- Never hit a battery with a hammer.
Warnings
- Never lay the battery on its side or upside down.
- Never make a short circuit between the two battery terminals.
- Before you start working on electrical systems, remove any rings from your fingers, or cover them with tape or gloves. Even a dead battery supplies enough power to melt a gold ring. This can cause serious injuries.
- Make sure the old battery does not come into contact with your clothes. If so, after a few washes, holes will form in clothes where the acid has bitten into them. Just to be safe, wear a disposable apron or old clothes that you already wanted to throw away.
- Do not spray the lithium grease on other components of the engine block, only on the positive and negative battery terminals.
- Wear safety glasses and gloves at all times.
- Do not put the old battery on the upholstery in the car, or lay down a plastic sheet first to protect your upholstery from battery acid.
- Never place metal objects on the battery, as a short circuit may occur if a connection is made between the battery terminals.