Underneath your car lies an integral component that powers its engine: its battery. Unfortunately, these vital pieces of machinery often reach their end of lifespan and need replacement – thus necessitating regular check-ups of its condition and lifespan.
DIY maintenance projects can be both cost-efficient and rewarding; however, it can also be time-consuming and dangerous. Carefully consider all aspects of battery maintenance before undertaking this DIY endeavor yourself.
Removing the Battery
Turn off the ignition and open up the hood to expose your battery. This step is crucial for dissipating residual electricity that may build up in your car’s electrical systems and to avoid shorting them out accidentally, avoiding fires or other damages to its wiring systems.
Start by loosening the black terminal cable with a wrench suitable for its screw or bolt used to secure its terminal clamp. When this has been accomplished, remove and store it safely; be wary not to touch both negative and positive cables together, as this could create sparks which could damage either your car’s frame or engine.
Locate the positive cable, marked with a “+” sign and protected by a red plastic cap. Loosen its terminal clamp using a wrench or socket and unplug it from its post, before pulling it free from battery post and out of its path. Repeat these steps for the negative terminal as well. Now lift the battery from its tray while remaining mindful of its weight (around 40 pounds), to prevent acid spilling onto ground or into your vehicle during transport.
Once the old battery has been taken out, it is wise to clean both its tray and posts in order to reinstall your new one with confidence. This step can be completed using wire brushes, baking soda and water solutions or commercial anti-corrosion products.
Cleaning the Battery Terminals
Corrosion on battery terminals can prevent them from making contact, leading to poor starting or stalling performance and draining your battery quickly. To combat this problem, it’s crucial to inspect and clean them regularly using tools you likely already have in your garage. To do so effectively.
Start by disconnecting your old battery from its cables, then wash away any corrosion-causing residue from its terminals – usually located on either the top or side. Use a wire brush or toothbrush for hard-to-reach areas, wearing safety glasses, rubber gloves and face mask as precaution. Make sure it is completely dry before reconnecting it to your vehicle.
Once the terminals have been cleaned, apply a coat of petroleum jelly or dielectric grease to protect against future corrosion – this can usually be found at auto parts stores. After applying this treatment, reconnect both positive and negative battery cables.
Recurring maintenance will keep your car running at its best and extend its lifespan, but when it comes to more complex troubleshooting and repairs, such as for engines or electrical components, professional services should always be contacted first. A reputable repair shop will have all of the tools and knowledge needed to diagnose and repair it safely.
Installing the New Battery
Like a heart powering your body, a battery powers your car’s electrical system and ensures its engine starts every time you press on the gas pedal. Unfortunately, like its counterpart a heart, batteries don’t last forever either.
Replacing your vehicle’s battery can be one of the easiest DIY car maintenance tasks you can perform at home. If your car starts slowly each morning or you hear that telltale click of an dead battery, then perhaps now is a good time for an upgrade.
Start your project by locating the battery in the engine compartment (referring to your owner’s manual if needed). Once found, identify both positive (+) and negative (-) terminals – usually indicated with red and black dots respectively. Remove one cable at a time from each terminal before tucking it away safely from any metal parts; do the same with positive terminal.
Once the old battery has been taken away, place its replacement into its tray and secure it with clamps or hold down brackets. Reconnect both cables gradually – beginning with positive (red) then negative cables – taking care not to touch both cables simultaneously. Finally, give your battery a good jiggle to ensure its seated securely – any movement should mean tightening clamps or hold down brackets further while any loose connections should receive anti-corrosion grease for additional security.
Disposing of the Old Battery
As with any chemicals involved, when replacing or checking an old battery it’s important to use extreme caution when handling its chemicals. Old batteries may release battery acid which could burn you or lead to serious long-term health concerns if exposed directly.
Battery acid can be extremely corrosive, so take great care not to spill any onto any part of your vehicle or yourself. Once disconnected from cables, carefully unmount and unhold-down the old battery from its mounting or hold-down clamp or strap before placing it on cardboard or plastic for disposal. Many auto parts stores and service stations offer free battery recycling programs – bring your old lead-acid battery along for disposal there!
Change Your Car Battery DIY is an accessible, budget-conscious DIY project with plenty of rewards! However, it’s essential that you understand when DIY vs professional service should be undertaken. If your battery keeps going bad or there are electrical issues impacting your driving experience, a mechanic can perform diagnostics to find out the source of the issue and suggest solutions. Stay up-to-date on our ManMadeDIY newsletter to stay informed with tool tips, project ideas, hands-on inspiration and hands-on support to create a more confident DIY lifestyle! Subscribe today and start enjoying lifelong DIY lifestyle success!
