Your car battery is an essential gadget in giving life to the engine as well as powering up all the electric components. As the batteries wear out with time, they are capable of making starts sluggish or even making it fail. Learn to change out your car’s battery. It’s a neat skill that will save you time and money in the long run. Below is a step-by-step method on how to change out your car battery easily and without any problems.
TOOLS AND MATERIALS
Tools and materials required before you kick off in a battery replacement process include:
– A new car battery
– Some wrenches: they may include 8mm, 10mm, or 13mm depending on the specifications of your car
– Battery terminal cleaning brush
– Battery terminal cleaner or protector
– Safety goggles
– Hand gloves
– Battery carrier
Safety during the time of working with car batteries is of prime importance. Safety guidelines to be abided by are as under:
• Park your vehicle in a cool or windy area.
• Stop the ignition and make sure electrical facilities are off.
• Wear safety goggles and gloves for your eyes and hands’ protection.
Remove the metal jewelry so as to reduce the risk of electrical shock.
Step 2: Locate the Battery
While most car batteries by key players like Daewoo India are located under the hood, the specific location may vary. For more information, refer to your vehicle’s manual. On locating the battery, identify the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals.
Step 3: Disconnect the Battery Cables
Loosen the nut on the negative terminal first, using the proper size wrench. The negative terminal is generally marked with a minus sign (-) and is connected to the black cable. On loosening the nut, draw the cable from the terminal and push it aside in such a way that it does not contact the battery.
Repeat the procedure for the positive terminal, identified by a plus sign (+) and connected to the red cable. Ensure that they are positioned such that the cables cannot make contact with the terminals inadvertently.
Step 4: Removing the Old Battery
A battery is usually secured by a battery hold-down bracket or battery hold-down strap. Use a suitable tool to remove any such securing, then lift the old battery up and out of its tray. Remember, car batteries can be heavy.
Step 5: Clean the Battery Terminals
Check the terminals of any corroded battery. In the case of any corrosion, scrub it away with a battery terminal cleaning brush. For an extreme case, use a solution of baking soda and water. Rinse with water and dry upon completion.
Step 6: Ready with a New Battery
Comparison of the new battery with the old one should be undertaken. It should ensure that both are of the same size along with terminal placement. Apply very little dielectric grease or petroleum jelly on clean terminals to make sure that in the future, it never gets corroded.
Step 7: New Battery Installation
Proceed to the installation of the new battery such as the one by Daewoo Electronics with the battery properly fitted on the tray and held down by the hold-down bracket or strap. The battery is seated properly in order to avoid movement when the vehicle is in motion.
Step 8: Reconnection of Battery Cables
Fasten the positive cable onto the positive terminal and then connect the negative cable to the negative terminal. Finally, tighten the nuts securely, but in moderation, so as not to be too loose or overly tight. Over-tightening can damage the terminals.
Step 9. Testing the Battery
Start your car’s ignition and note any warning panel lights. If the engine starts successfully and there are no problems, then the battery replacement was successful.
Step 10: Disposing of the Old Battery
Dead car batteries are dangerous and thus should be properly disposed of. They can be left at many auto parts stores or taken to recycling centers. Do not throw them in the garbage.
At first, it may seem to be a very big task when it comes to replacing the car battery, but once you follow all the procedures, it is very manageable. This will come in very handy in overall reliability of your vehicle as periodic checks and timely replacement of the battery are ensured.
Following this step-by-step guide shall instill the confidence in you to replace your car battery and keep your car powered to aid in smooth road travels. Make sure you do your research in your vehicle’s manual to find out specific instructions and guidelines for safety purposes.