Before beginning, referring to your owner's manual for specific instructions and safety precautions is key. Also have a multimeter handy so as to assess battery voltage. Work in an airy area. Keep baking soda and water on hand in case any battery acid spills occur; these should help neutralize any harmful battery acid spillage. Use a wrench to loosen the nut and bolt that secures the negative terminal clamp. Always disconnect this terminal first to reduce sparks or electrical shorts.
Removing the Old Battery
Before removing an old battery, be sure to wear safety goggles and insulated work gloves. Car batteries contain sulfuric acid electrolyte that can burn your skin while also producing flammable hydrogen gas - so always be safe when handling car batteries! Additionally, remove any metal jewelry such as rings and bracelets to reduce the risk of electric shock. Finally, open up the hood and prop it open if necessary - if you are having difficulty finding your car battery consult your owner's manual for guidance. Once you have identified it, ensure the car is switched off before disconnecting its negative terminal cable (black). Loosen any nuts that hold it using wrench or special battery pliers as necessary; take care not to break off connectors as this could short out engine-control computer and other electrical components in your car. Once the negative terminal has been disconnected, carefully remove and set aside your battery on a flat surface outside your vehicle. A car battery is heavy so enlisting help may be necessary - loosen or remove any device holding it in place before installing a new one. A baking soda solution can also help clean any corrosion from developing on its terminals and tray before installing another battery.
Installing the New Battery
Before installing the new battery, clean any corrosion that has built up on its terminals and clamps using baking soda and water, while battery terminal cleaner spray - available from most auto parts stores -- works better for heavier corrosion. Once everything has been thoroughly cleaned, place the new battery into its tray and secure it using its clamp or retaining system removed earlier; attach first the positive and then negative battery cable so as to avoid creating an electrical circuit before the battery has fully charged. Before replacing your car battery, ensure the engine is off and the hood is closed. Furthermore, remove any metal jewelry and put on insulated work gloves - batteries contain harmful sulfuric acid electrolyte that produces hydrogen gas which is both toxic and explosive; for your own safety it's vital that protective gear be worn when working around these batteries - you shouldn't open up the hood until ready to start working! Locate your battery. This may be under the hood, in the trunk, or even under the floorboard depending on your car. Note that many cars have more than one battery if you're having difficulty identifying yours; for assistance check your owner's manual or auto parts store. Once found, loosen its nut using a socket wrench or ratchet and detach its cable by twisting.
Checking the Electrical Connections
Once you've installed your new battery and removed the old one, it is important to test that everything is in working order. Begin by making sure all battery terminal connections are clean and tight; over time they may corrode resulting in engine cranking without starting. To test if current is flowing through both terminals use a multimeter to monitor current flow through each one; if not use this tool to identify why. Negative terminals typically feature black plastic covers marked with "-", while positive cables usually display red ones marked with a "+" symbol printed or stamped onto them. You should also see one or the other on cable connectors themselves. When wearing work gloves and eye protection, use a socket wrench to loosen and then remove from its post the negative terminal from its post; once this nut has been released push its cable connector away from this post to prevent creating short circuit between positive and negative cables. Before lifting batteries out of their tray, many are secured by clamps; you'll need to loosen those first using a socket wrench with extension capabilities as these bolts may be hidden low down in the tray.
Disposing of the Old Battery
When replacing a car battery, it is vital that it is done so properly. Car batteries contain acid that contains harmful gases and must be handled carefully, so working in an area with adequate ventilation and wearing protective gloves are recommended. Furthermore, it is wise to avoid touching battery terminals or cables as any contact between these may lead to electrical short circuiting that could even spark fire! Step one is to disconnect the negative cable, typically marked with a "-" symbol or labeled "Neg". Using a wrench or ratchet, loosen and twist/pull off its connection from its terminal before unhooking with care. Next step: lift out and unbolt positive terminal from battery before carefully lifting straight up out of vehicle - keep in mind batteries can weigh between 30-60 lbs so having someone help is ideal! Once the battery has been taken out, make sure that its case and tray are inspected for cracks or damages that might allow acid leakage into the engine bay. Leakage of acid is extremely hazardous to engine components and cables - often damaging both permanently. Most auto shops and parts stores, including Bridgestone retail locations like Firestone Complete Auto Care and Tires Plus as well as local recycling centers have special programs dedicated to recycling car batteries free of charge.
