The battery is the powerhouse of every car, and more so, having a properly functioning car battery is essential for the smooth operation of your vehicle. Sadly, over time, your car battery may wear out. It would have to be changed for a newer one, and that is why this article is a must-read for every car owner out there who would want to know how they can change their car battery without having to call the mechanic to do it on their behalf.
Before we go into our primary agenda for today, changing a car battery may seem like a herculean task, but with the suitable instruments and knowledge. You will save yourself some money by avoiding a trip to the mechanic, and you will also gain the satisfaction of knowing how to single-handedly fix your car battery when it breaks down or needs to be changed.
Essential car maintenance is what this post is all about, and here we will walk you through the step-by-step processes of changing your car battery, ensuring that you can complete the task in the best possible way ever. Bear in mind that you mustn’t be a DIY enthusiast before you can change your car battery, as this guide will help you with the essential tips you need to replace your car battery and keep your vehicle running smoothly, even as a complete beginner.
However, with that being said, let’s dive in and explore the straightforward steps to change your car battery.
When to Change a Car Battery
Knowing when to change a car battery is very vital for every car owner. As soon as you start to notice one or two signs of deterioration in your car battery, that is the best time to change it to avoid any future troubles. However, we have put together some common indicators to tell you the perfect time to change a car battery:
.Age
Every car battery has a lifespan, and it is the chief duty of the car owner to know this. Most car batteries have a lifespan of about 3-5 years which means that once they reach their span limits, they ought to be replaced.
As a car owner, you should know the age of your car battery (how long it can last) to know when to replace it with a newer one to ensure that you don’t face further complications while using a worn-out battery.
.Slow Engine Crank
This is one of the most typical indicators that should tell you it is time to change your car battery. Suppose you notice that the engine of your car is cranking slowly whenever you start your vehicle. Please, do not hesitate. It could be caused by a weak battery; hence it needs replacement as soon as possible.
.Swollen Battery Case
Another standard indicator you would likely notice about a weak or worn-out car battery is a swollen battery case. If you notice that the car battery case is either swollen or bloated, it is a sign of a malfunctioning battery. In this case, it should be replaced with a better battery immediately as it is a threat to safety.
.Frequent Jump Start
It is unusual if you have to jump-start your vehicle almost all the time, and if you find your car in such a situation where you have to jump-start frequently, It is an indicator that you have to replace your car battery as it may not be holding a charge properly which can be risky if ignored for a longer time.
.Dim Headlights and Electrical Issues
If you notice that your headlights appear dimmer than usual, or if you often experience other electrical problems such as; malfunctioning power windows or flickering lights, it could be a sign of a weak battery. Make a quick battery change to enjoy a better and safer ride on the road.
Benefits of Changing the Car Battery Yourself
Knowing how to change the car battery all by yourself comes with several benefits, and here we will discuss 5 of them below:
.It Helps to Save Costs
One of the fundamental benefits of changing the car battery yourself is cost savings. You would save some money by avoiding auto repair shops and mechanics who charge a significant amount of money for battery replacement services, and this can be of advantage to you in several ways.
By changing the car battery yourself, you can avoid spending much money on labor costs and save a substantial amount of money which you can use for other better things later in the future.
.It Is Convenient and Time Saving
To avoid delays from auto repair shops and mechanics, it is best to change the car battery yourself. After all, replacing a car battery is generally a straightforward process that can be completed in a relatively short period so long that you have the necessary tools and basic knowledge required.
If you have a new battery at hand after reading this article, you should be able to change your car battery yourself whenever and wherever it needs to be replaced without hiring a mechanic.
.It Provides You With Knowledge and Empowerment
Learning how to change a car battery gives you sound knowledge about your vehicle and also empowers you to handle basic maintenance tasks. Furthermore, it helps you to become self-reliant and less dependent on others for simple repairs that can quickly be done by you within a short period.
.It Prepares You for Emergency Situations
Emergency cases can happen at any time; hence you need to be prepared for it in order to avoid being taken unawares. If your car battery fails unexpectedly, being able to change it with a better one can be a lifesaver. It allows you to quickly get your car back on the road without having to wait for assistance or a tow truck.
In other words, you get to reach your destination despite the breakdown, and it is a significant flex that shouldn’t be overlooked.
.It Encourages Flexibility In Choosing the Battery
Think of it this way, if you are not used to changing the car battery yourself, you won’t be able to know what type of battery your car uses, its life span, and other essential details you need to know as a car owner. On the other hand, when you change the car battery yourself, you have the utmost freedom to choose the brand, type, and specifications of the battery that best suits your needs and budget.
You can also select a high-quality battery or opt for an eco-friendly option if that is important to you. Meanwhile, this can also be beneficial in other ways in the sense that you can not easily be cheated by auto repair shops and mechanics since you would easily differentiate a fake car battery from a genuine one.
Also Read: Where Is the Starter Located? (Answered)
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing the Car Battery
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to changing a car battery:
- Gather the Necessary Tools and Equipment:
First things first, you will typically need a pair of safety gloves, adjustable wrenches or pliers, a wire brush or battery terminal cleaner, and a new battery that matches the specifications of your car.
- Observe Safety Precautions:
This shouldn’t be overemphasized as it relates to your health. Please do well to put on your safety gloves to protect your hands from any potential acid or electrical contact that can be very risky and can lead to death.
- Locate the Battery:
Kindly open the hood of your car and locate the battery. It is usually a rectangular or square-shaped box with two cables connected to it, and it is obvious to see.
- Identify the Positive and Negative Terminals:
Now that you know where the car battery is located, the next thing to do is to identify the positive and negative terminals. The battery terminals are marked with a “+” or “POS” for positive and a “-” or “NEG” for negative. Identify them before proceeding.
- Disconnect the Negative Terminal:
Using an adjustable wrench or pliers, loosen the nut on the negative terminal and carefully remove the cable from the battery. Ensure that the cable doesn’t touch any metal parts to prevent accidental contact.
- Disconnect the Positive Terminal:
Kindly repeat the process for the positive terminal, loosening the nut and removing the cable from the battery to achieve the expected result.
- Remove the Old Battery:
Now, it is time to remove the old battery and replace it with a new one. Mind you, most batteries are held in place with a bracket or clamp. Gently remove any screws or brackets securing the battery and carefully lift it out of the battery tray. Be cautious, as car batteries can be heavy.
- Clean the Battery Tray:
Inspect the battery tray for any corrosion or debris so it doesn’t prevent the battery from running smoothly. Use a wire brush or battery terminal cleaner to clean the tray and ensure good contact with the new battery.
- Install the New Battery:
Now, carefully place the new battery into the battery tray, ensuring that it is secure and stable. Make sure you confirm that it is appropriately placed before carrying out the next step.
- Reconnect the Positive Terminal:
Now gently slide the positive terminal onto the positive post of the battery and tighten the nut securely. Make sure the connection is snug, but avoid over-tightening. Before doing this, make sure you have gloves on and do not forget to put off the car engine to prevent shock.
- Reconnect the Negative Terminal:
Do the same thing to the negative terminal, ensuring a tight and secure connection.
- Secure the Battery:
If your battery has a bracket or clamp, reattach it to hold the battery in place securely.
- Test the New Battery:
Last but not least is to test the new battery to confirm if it is working fine or needs some adjustments. Now close the hood of your car and start the engine to verify that the new battery is functioning correctly.
Disclaimer: It’s essential to consult your vehicle’s manual for any specific instructions or precautions related to your particular make and model. If you need more clarification or are uncomfortable with any step, it’s best to seek assistance from a professional mechanic.
Also Read: Signs That Your Car Battery Should be Changed
Conclusion
Changing a car battery may seem like an uneasy task to handle, but in the real sense, it is not so difficult. As a car owner, you should be able to change your car battery if need be to prevent future risks that can sprout at any time.
Moreover, changing your car battery by yourself will save you from the costs of hiring mechanics and visiting auto repair shops whenever your car battery breaks down. You can change your car battery anytime and anywhere without looking for any assistance so long you have the right tools and knowledge to act.
With the help of this timely blog post, you should be able to perform simple car maintenance practices and change the battery of your car by yourself in the best way possible within a short period.