How to Change Your Battery from Acura Carland

If you’re wondering “how do I replace my car battery?”, you’ve come to the right place! Let’s first start with the signs that indicate a battery is past its prime to keep you from getting stranded out on the road.

Some things are relatively straightforward, such as the fact that a battery for your vehicle is usually good for four to five years. Keeping up with the age of your battery can help with a rough estimation of when it is time for a change. Sitting for long periods of time or freezing can damage your battery by causing the battery case to swell, leading to the need for a new battery.

Other signs are a bit more subtle and can sometimes be more serious. Bad odor, for example, can indicate a battery leak. It is best to seek professional assistance in this instance, as a leak of battery acid can cause corrosion in other areas of your vehicle. A “Check Battery” light might appear on your dashboard to warn you of impending trouble. It can be helpful to get this professionally diagnosed as well, since this light can be triggered by trouble with different electrical components besides your battery, such as the alternator. An engine that is slow to crank or electrical components that struggle to function when used in unison are also key signs of a battery that is going bad.

There are a few tools you will need in order to replace a bad battery:

• The correct battery for your vehicle

• A wire brush

• Anti-corrosion solution

• Battery cleaning solution or baking soda and water

• Battery pliers or a battery wrench

• A combination wrench

Once you have the required tools, it is time to begin replacing your battery.

Step 1:

With your engine off, pop the hood and find your battery. You will need your battery pliers or battery wrench to loosen the nut of the negative (black) battery cable from the battery.

Step 2:

Twist and pull on the end of the cable with your hand. If it does not come off easily, you may need to purchase a battery terminal puller.

Step 3:

Detach the positive (red) cable from the battery in the same manner.

Step 4:

Using the combination wrench, remove the battery hold-down clamp.

Step 5:

Take the battery out of the battery tray. Batteries are very heavy and you will need to use the battery handle or use both hands to lift the battery from the bottom.

Step 6:

Use the battery cleaning solution or baking soda and water to clean away any corrosion that has accumulated on the battery tray or the hold-down clamp.

Step 7:

Clean the battery connection cables with a wire brush.

Step 8:

Place the new battery in the tray and secure it with the hold-down clamps.

Step 9:

Spray both cable ends with anti-corrosion solution.

Step 10:

Attach and tighten the red and black battery cables.

Step 11:

Ensure all the connection and hold-downs are properly tightened. Check the battery’s security by trying to move it back and forth.