Last Updated on July 5, 2021 by Mark S. Taylor
A Do-it-Yourself for Car Batteries
Car batteries (or automotive batteries) are rechargeable batteries which feed electrical currents to a motor vehicle. Their main purpose is to provide electrical current to the starter and the ignition system while we crank the engine so that it starts. After the car starts, the electric supply shifts to the alternator. Sometime the alternator cannot provide the electrical supply which is demanded by the vehicle. In cases like these, the extra electrical supply is also covered by the battery. The battery also acts like a voltage stabilizer and evens out voltage spikes, which could damage the vehicle. The best car battery is one of the main components of any vehicle as without it the vehicle wouldn’t start. Therefore, it is extremely necessary for us to know how to remove and install a car battery. This article would give you an overview of the same.
How to remove a car battery?
Before we move on to the specifics of removing a car battery it is necessary to know that we set up a secure working environment. Car batteries are made up lead, which is a heavy metal. Excess of exposure to lead can cause heavy metal poisoning which is extremely detrimental to the individual. These batteries also contain corrosive battery acids and potentially lethal charges. Therefore, before taking out the battery ensure you have a secure working space. Park your car at a safe distance from traffic and on level ground. Remember to turn off the car and put the parking (or the emergency) brake on. It is important to keep yourself and the vehicle free of any danger. Wear safety goggles and gloves before handing the battery. Batteries contain sulfuric acid electrolyte solution which can produce flammable gases and burn your skin. Therefore, it is important to cover the fender of the car with a padded blanket to avoid any damage. Apart from this, remove any lighters away from the car.
After putting all the safety measures in place, locate your battery. It is usually in an accessible part of your hood (or in some cases the trunk). The battery is usually a rectangular box with two wires attached to different terminals. After locating the battery, identify the terminals. Then, open your owner’s manual and see whether the vehicle is one with a negative ground or a positive ground. If the vehicle has a negative ground (most vehicles do) loosen the nuts and bolts from the battery clamp that is on the negative terminal. If the car has a positive ground, do the same with the positive terminal. Loosening these cable clamps can be easily done with an 8mm or 10mm wrench. It is important to know how the car is grounded otherwise there is a risk of short circuit. After disconnecting the grounded terminal, disconnect the other one and lift the battery out of the engine. There might be excess screws, bars or clamps holding the battery in place (depending on the make and model). Unfasten these and then lift out the battery. The battery can weigh anywhere between 13 to 27 kilos, so be careful while lifting it out. Inspect the battery tray, if it has any rust or deposits on it clean them with baking powder.
How to insert a car battery?
Before inserting best new car battery, ensure that you buy, one which is the best battery for car. Usually the best place to get a car battery is your official manufacturers’ shop or at your local mechanics shop. Check for the most compatible battery. After taking out the previous battery and cleaning the battery tray let it dry for a while. Place the new battery onto the now dry battery tray. Keep in mind to place both the negative and positive terminals on the appropriate sides. Fasten the battery again with all the devices that held the previous battery in place. Try to move and wiggle the battery to ensure that it is fully secure. Now reattach the battery cables in a reverse order from what you used to unfasten them i.e. if you have a car with a positive ground reattach the negative terminal first and if you have a car with negative ground reattach the positive terminal first. After this, ensure that the battery is completely secure. Spray or apply some battery lithium grease on the terminals as it helps in preventing corrosion. Now ignite the engine and test out the battery.
Our work does not end after simply replacing the battery. These batteries are full of corrosive and toxic elements and liquids which are harmful to the environment and to the people around you. Therefore, it is imperative to dispose of your old batteries properly. Car companies sometimes build new batteries out of parts and pieces of the old one therefore it would be better to drop it off at the local recycling place or give to your mechanic who would also recycle it for you.
