How to Change a Car Battery
Your car battery is the primary source of your car’s electrical power needs. Almost all car batteries available on the market are built to last, although from time to time you need to replace the battery with a new one. If you’re not sure how to replace a worn or depleted car battery, here are some easy steps to guide you through the process.
Car Batteries 101
Most car batteries work through the chemical reaction of lead plates and sulfuric acid. The electron exchange that takes place inside the battery case creates electricity, which is transmitted to the terminals. The terminals are connected to cables, which then supply electricity to your car’s electrical system.
While car batteries are a reliable source of energy, there is no such thing as a permanent source of energy. Over time, the lead plates on your car battery will give way because of the controlled corrosion that takes place inside the device. The electricity generated by the battery also discharges over time; old batteries cannot power your car as effectively and efficiently as new ones.
Tools
To replace the old car battery, you need the following tools:
A new car battery (should match your car manufacturer’s specifications)
Lithium grease
Battery tester
Adjustable wrench
Screwdriver
Wire brush
Baking soda paste (3 parts baking soda dissolved in one and a half parts of water)
Gloves
Steps
Before working with the battery, make sure to disconnect all electrical circuits connected to the car battery. Do not touch the battery with your bare hands; the greenish-white powdery stuff on the battery is a highly corrosive acidic substance, and may cause chemical burns on sensitive skin.
chaning car battery
Test the charge/discharge of the battery first. You may not need to change the battery at all; you may only need to remove the corrosive matter on the terminals with baking soda paste and a wire brush.
If the charge is depleted, you need to replace the battery. Start by removing the connection from the positive terminal first, and do the same for the negative terminal.
Remove all the screws and bolts holding down the battery to its compartment.
Carefully lift out the battery from the compartment. Batteries can be heavy, so you may need to get a friend to help you out.
You may spot some of the corrosive matter on the battery compartment. Clean out the compartment with the baking soda paste and a wire brush completely.
Replace the connections. Start with the positive terminal, and then do the same with the negative terminal. Spray the connections with a liberal amount of lithium grease.
Test the battery by running your car’s electrical system. If they do not work properly, you may need to take your car to a service center.
Changing the car battery from time to time is an important part of routine auto maintenance. With these steps, you can change your car’s old battery into a new one with ease and convenience.