Changing your car battery is an easy undertaking that should only take 45 minutes, and you should do it before you get in an emergency situation. If you’re near Hagerstown or Winchester, you can come to Massey Hyundai to have your battery tested before each summer and winter to make sure you’re ready for the season.
What You Need
Allow yourself at least 45 minutes and make sure you have the following list of items before you get started:
- The proper battery for your vehicle – it should be new and fully charged.
- An auto battery terminal puller designed to remove the battery cable clamp without causing damage.
- Wrenches or sockets for clamps – double check to see if you need open or box end style.
- Auto battery connector cleaner, cleaning tool, and protector.
- A cleaning brush for the terminal and posts.
- An automotive battery carrying strap.
- A pair of safety glasses.
- A pair of gloves.
- Clean rags.
How to Change a Car Battery
First of all, always keep your vehicle owner’s manual handy and review it before starting any kind of auto repair or maintenance project. Check the manual to see exactly where the battery is located and what type of retaining system you have. It’s vital that you know exactly which battery cables are positive and which are negative. Also, auto batteries can be explosive! Do not place anything metal across the battery posts!
- Use a wrench to disconnect the negative battery cable. It should be marked with the color black and a negative sign (-).
- Then, disconnect the positive battery cable. It should be marked with the color red and a positive sign (+).
- Use the terminal puller to remove the cables (top post batteries.)
- Then, remove the hold-down clamp or retaining system for the battery. Place all parts neatly aside so nothing gets confusing.
- Carefully remove the auto battery itself. If it is a top post battery, you can use a battery carrying strap.
- Now, install the new battery and secure it with the retainer. The new battery will have battery post safety caps. Before you remove them, make sure the battery connectors are clean and that the red post is lined up with the positive battery connector.
- Use your cleaning tools to wipe off the new battery and ensure the terminals are clean and ready for connection.
- Apply auto battery protectors such as dielectric grease and anti-corrosion washers to the posts and connectors.
- Now you can connect your posts, first the positive, and then the negative. Tighten the connectors snugly.
- Reassemble the retaining system and double check that nothing moves. You’re done!
Massey Hyundai is Your Go-To
Now you know how to change a car battery. Live near Hagerstown or Winchester and don’t want to go to the trouble? Massey Hyundai is your go-to resource for this and other routine maintenance. Simply schedule an appointment online, call 877-356-9697, or email our dealership today.
