How to Change a Car Battery

Car battery. Photo from peoria-tow.com

A car cannot run without a battery. It is inconvenient to ask a friend to jump start your car with theirs, so follow these simple steps so you can get back on the road without any problems.

Materials needed:

• crescent wrench
• car battery

1. Put your vehicle in park and open the hood. Ensure your emergency brake is engaged, turn the car off, and open the hood.
2. Locate the battery. Most batteries are located to the side of the engine. Consult the owner’s manual if you are struggling to locate the battery. Determine the positive (+) and negative (-) ends by identifying the colors. The red cover will be positive, and the black cover will be negative.
3. Unfasten the cables. Make sure to remove the negative cable first. Use your crescent wrench to loosen the bold that holds the cable in place. After the negative cable is removed, remove the positive cable.
4. Remove the battery. Often, there will be a clamp holding the battery in place. Remove this by locating and removing any screws or bolts holding it down. Be careful when lifting the battery out; they weigh between 40–60 pounds and can cause injury if handled incorrectly.
5. Insert the new battery. Remove the black and red covers from the terminals of your new battery. Place the new battery in the compartment and replace the clamps that held the old battery in place.
6. Attach the cables. Make sure to connect the positive cable first. Attach the red cable to the red post and tighten with the crescent wrench. Do the same with the black (negative) side.
7. Close the hood and start the car. If the car turns over and starts up, your job is complete.

Please note that if the car still does not start after replacing the battery, contact a certified mechanic and they will assist you in diagnosing the problem.