How to install a new car battery

If the battery is difficult to remove, you should use a tool called a battery terminal puller. Do not use any other tools to maneuver the battery out, as this may cause damage. Avoid touching metal to either side of the battery terminal at all costs. Use a bowl or large magnet to collect any loose metal pieces that may fall or dislodge. Otherwise, they may fall into the car. Key Takeaway: All you need to remove the battery is safety gear, a socket wrench, and potentially a battery terminal puller.

Make sure your work area is dry and safe. Your old battery may have left behind some corrosion, dust, or dirt on the terminals and battery tray. Corrosion looks like a greenish residue.

Clean the terminals before installing the new battery. When you clean the terminals, make sure you wear safety gear to avoid breathing in dust or particles. Clean the terminals thoroughly using a wire brush and a simple solution made of equal parts water and baking soda. MORE: What to do if you have a car breakdown away from home. On your replacement battery, remove the covers on the posts usually black and red to prepare it for placement.

Install the new battery in the battery tray, making sure it sits securely. Align the positive and negative ends of the battery with the corresponding terminals of the car.

Now reinstall the clamp s or bar the same way you previously removed them to secure the new battery. Prep the new battery by placing anti-corrosion washers on both battery posts. Starting with the positive terminal this time, attach the positive cable usually red to the matching positive post on the battery.

Repeat the process with the negative terminal typically black. Move the battery around to test the security of the connections , making sure both connections are nice and secure.

If the battery shifts, check the clamps and tightness of the cables. MORE: How to decide if you should take your car to a repair shop or a mobile mechanic. Now that both cables are connected, close the hood and start the car. Judith switched to Progressive. Alexander switched to Travelers. Annie switched to Nationwide.

Check if you are overpaying for car insurance. No phone calls. No long forms. Browse More Content. Insurance Resources Is Jerry Legitimate? Related Articles. How to Prepare Your Car to be Towed. Refresh Articles. My battery died at work and I wanted to get some stuff out of the back. How do you put oil in a BMW i? How do you remove a BMW key from the ignition? Browse All Questions. Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance. Next- Step 5: Recycle the Old Battery. Read and follow the Safety and Handling Information on this website.

Clean the tray where the battery rests. Use steel wool or a wire brush to rub the metal clamps and remove any corrosion. Place your new battery in the battery tray make sure your battery is fully charged. Make sure it faces the proper direction so that the positive and negative terminals line up with their corresponding cables. Secure the hold-down strap in its original position over the new battery, ensuring it is properly secure to prevent movement or vibration wear.

Do not tighten the hold-down bracket too hard, since this can damage the plastic case and cover.