How to change a car battery 

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Want to know How to change a car battery? First, make sure you have all the proper tools. Then safely remove the negative terminal first and then the positive terminal. Replace the battery with a new one. Attach the Positive terminal first and then the negative terminal. You are all done.

A car battery is an integral part of your vehicle. It is responsible for providing the initial power to start the car. It also provides electrical power to your vehicle headlight, taillight, infotainment system, and all other electrical systems.

Car battery volts, amps, and watts are fixed and all vehicle electrical systems are designed based on the power supplied by the car battery. Most cars have a lead-acid battery. It’s a rechargeable battery that does get weak over time. So car battery need replacement after its usefull life. 

There is a defined hazard class for automotive batteries by United Nations, so you need to follow proper procedures to change a car battery safely. 

How to change a car battery

Car batteries does not last for ever. Whether you want to know how to change a car battery or how to change a car battery safely. The answer will be the same. There is only one way to change a car battery and that is the safe way.

Before starting you need to make sure you have the following tools

  1. One new fully charged car battery 
  2. Safety Gloves
  3. Safety Glasses
  4. Adjustable wrench or a complete spanner set
  5. Wire Brush

Safety Note:  Always wear safety gloves and glass before starting the battery-changing process. Never touch both battery terminals at the same time. Make sure your car is in an off position and parked in a flat and well-ventilated area.

how to change a car battery safely

  1. Make sure you have all the tools.
  2. Start the process by wearing safety gloves and glasses.
  3. Most battery terminals have either 8 mm, 10 mm, or 13 mm nut and bolt assembly holding wire with battery terminals.
  4. Use an adjustable wrench on one side and a spanner on the other side of the nut and bolt assembly to remove battery wires.
  5. Always remove the negative terminal first. The negative terminal is black.
  6. Remove the positive terminal. It’s red
  7. Remove the battery. Be Careful, batteries are quite heavy and contain acid that is hazardous for human skin.
  8. Use a wire brush to clean the ends on both negative and positive wire and their respective nut and bolt assembly.
  9. Place a new fully charged battery.
  10. Now connect the positive terminal first and then the negative terminal
  11. The process is complete and you are ready to go.

How long does it take to change a car battery?

It depends on the expertise of the individual changing the battery. An expert can change a car battery in 10 to 15 minutes. For one who is doing it for the first time. It can take up to 25 to 30 minutes to change a car battery.

Remember this time does not include the wait time you might spend in the workshop or the time it takes to reach the workshop. If you are confident enough and want to do it by yourself, it will not take about 25 to 30 minutes to change the car battery.

How much to change a car battery

It will cost you anything from $150 to $200 to change a car battery. It depends a lot on factors like battery price, labor cost, and any other charges set by the workshop.

Some workshops offer zero replacement charges and zero labor costs if you purchase a car battery from them. In that case, you need to pay for the battery you select and it can cost you up to $200.

How to change a car battery without losing settings

You need a car memory saver If you want to change a car battery without losing the setting. Connect the car memory saver on the car cigarette lighter or on the car OBD-II port before removing the battery. This saver has power good enough to make car electronics keep their data. 

In some cars, disconnecting a battery and reconnecting it again can restore the factory setting. This means their custom setting will be deleted and they need to do the customizing process all over again.

Note:  Make sure your car is turned off before connecting the car memory saver.

FAQ

Can I replace a car battery myself?

Yes, you can replace a car battery if you have the right tools and know how to change a car battery safely. Then, you can change a car battery in 25 to 30 minutes.

Which battery terminal do you take off first?

Always take off the negative terminal first. Remember, do not touch both terminals at the same time,

Which terminal to connect to first?

Always connect the positive terminal first. Always use proper safety tools and standard batteries for replacement.

Last Words

How to change a car battery? Remove the negative terminal first and then the positive terminal. Always use proper tools for your and your car’s safety.