How to change a car battery for the first time without professional help?
Batteries are heavy, highly corrosive & potentially flammable. Therefore, many drivers hesitate in changing it using the DIY approach. But if the need arises, you can do it easily by following our detailed and step-by-step instructions. Our actionable tips will empower you to change a car battery in no time.
Things you will need
Wrench
Mechanical gloves
New battery
WD-40® Multi-use Product
Cleaning Rag
Step 1
Remove the old Battery
Whenever you begin to check or remove any part of your vehicle, make sure that your car is turned off and has cooled down. Don’t forget to wear mechanical gloves as a safety rule.
In the case of removing the battery, it is also essential to make sure that your vehicle is not running for ten minutes; to avoid electric shock.
Open your bonnet, and locate the negative terminal (- sign) of the battery. Then, use a wrench to unscrew the nut. If you find any deposits or the nut is blocked, spray WD-40 Multi-use Product and wipe with a cloth.
WD-40 helps dissolve rust or other build-ups quickly & efficiently!
Now disconnect the positive terminal of the battery in the same manner.
Then, unscrew the handle which holds the battery in its place. And carefully remove the battery without tilting to avoid any acid spills.
Step 2
Install the New Battery
Before installing the new battery, take the time to clean all the dirt accumulated with a cloth. If necessary, use the WD-40 Multifunction Product, ideal for removing stubborn residues. Once the location is clean again, insert the new battery by following the disassembly steps in reverse:
- Secure the new battery
- Connect the positive terminal (+ sign) first
- Then the negative terminal (sign -)
- Finally, tighten the fasteners.
Step 3
Lubricate the terminals to keep the rust away!
After changing the battery, don’t forget to lubricate the terminals with WD-40 Multi-use Product. It will protect them from rust & corrosion & at the same time drive away moisture too!
Step 4
Check that everything is working optimally!
Once your car battery is changed and protected, make sure everything is working. To do this, start your car! If it starts immediately, you were successful. But if that is not the case, there is no need to fret. Recheck the battery terminals or check if the battery is charged or not.
Conclusion
Knowing how to change your car battery will help you keep on top of your maintenance routine. Apart from this, it is vitally important that you keep the engine bay of your car as clean as possible to prolong and extend the life of your vehicle! You can check out our detailed guides on how to clean your greasy engine or the radiator of your car for help.
Disclaimer
The uses shown and described for WD-40 Multi-Use Product were provided to WD-40 Company by the users themselves. These uses haven’t been tested by WD-40 Company and do not constitute a recommendation of suggestion for use by WD-40 Company. Common sense should be exercised whenever using WD-40 Company products. Always follow the instructions and take heed of any warnings printed on the packaging.
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