{"id":9752,"date":"2023-05-28T07:13:00","date_gmt":"2023-05-28T14:13:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog2.neighbor.com\/storage-blog\/?p=9752"},"modified":"2024-01-29T16:19:14","modified_gmt":"2024-01-29T23:19:14","slug":"how-to-change-a-car-battery-by-yourself","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.neighbor.com\/storage-blog\/how-to-change-a-car-battery-by-yourself\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Change a Car Battery by Yourself"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Replacing your battery is an essential part of car maintenance. Your owner’s manual will provide specific advice about when to replace your car battery, but it’s generally recommended to change a battery after three years <\/a>or if a test reveals the battery is weak. An engine that starts slowly or dim headlights can also signal your battery is ready for a change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip:<\/strong> How much does a car battery cost? You can expect to pay around $50 to $120 for a standard car battery and between $90 and $200 for a premium <\/a>type. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having your battery changed at your local auto parts store or mechanic garage during a routine inspection or winterization <\/a>services is the most convenient option. However, there are many reasons your vehicle battery might fail unexpectedly. When your car battery fails, you can jumpstart your car with someone else’s or replace your battery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luckily car battery replacement is a job you can do by yourself with the right tools and information on hand. This step-by-step guide is designed to help you understand exactly how to change your car battery by yourself. It includes the tools you’ll need, safety precautions to take, and clear instructions on how to carry out each step of the process. By the end of this article, you’ll feel confident and empowered to safely handle a car battery replacement on your own. So, let’s dive in and learn how to change a car battery!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Remove Car Battery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even if you’ve never looked under the hood of your vehicle, determining how to disconnect a car battery and remove it is relatively easy. Check your owner’s manual to see where your car’s battery is located. It may be under the hood, in the trunk, under the back seat, or under the floorboard. If it’s under the hood, make sure the engine is cool enough to safely work in the area. Wear gloves and safety glasses for protection while working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip:<\/strong> Gather your supplies before you get started. You’ll need a replacement battery, wrench, wire brush, and battery cleaner, or baking soda and water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Locate the Battery and Identify the Positive and Negative Terminals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before determining how to remove the car battery, identify the positive and negative posts. The positive post may have a red plastic cover and the attached cable may be red as well. If both posts look the same, search for a “+” symbol stamped on the battery next to the positive post. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip:<\/strong> Take a picture with your phone as a reminder of what your connections look like when set up correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disconnect the Car Battery Terminals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Begin by disconnecting the negative cable using a wrench to loosen the bolt or nut that secures the terminal. Once the bolt is loose, wiggle the connector back and forth as you lift it from the car battery. Repeat the process with the positive cable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Remove the Car Battery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your battery will be secured in place with a metal bar over the top or a metal clamp at the base. Loosen any hardware securing the bar or clamp and remove it and set it aside. Now, the battery is ready to be lifted from the car. Take care to always keep a battery upright as you move it to avoid spilling caustic battery acid on your skin, clothing, or other surfaces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get a firm grip on the battery (using the carrying strap if there is one) and lift it from the vehicle. Set it aside for proper battery storage<\/a> and recycling after the task is finished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How Neighbor is changing car storage<\/h2>\r\n\t\t <\/header>\r\n\t\t
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Transparent monthly savings<\/h3>\r\n\t\t

Renters save 30-50% on car storage, on average. No rate hikes.<\/p>\r\n\t\t <\/div>\r\n\t\t

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Keep your car nearby<\/h3>\r\n\t\t

Find trusted car storage just minutes from where you live.<\/p>\r\n\t\t <\/div>\r\n\t\t

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Storage made simple<\/h3>\r\n\t\t

Don't settle for stone age tech and long contracts. Neighbor makes it easy.<\/p>\r\n\t\t <\/div>\r\n\t\t <\/section>\r\n\t\t