Replacing your battery is one of the most important parts of keeping your car running. Luckily, it's one of the easiest repairs you can do yourself.
The first step is to locate your battery, which typically sits in the front of the car on a tray, under the hood. If you have trouble locating it, consult your owner's manual.
Next, make sure the engine is cool to the touch. This is essential to avoid damage and injury.
It also helps prevent corrosion, which can shorten the life of your battery.
To change your battery, you'll need a wrench or socket set, a tool to remove the negative battery terminal and a new battery.
Start by removing the negative battery terminal from your car's positive terminal using a wrench or socket set. Use a little lubricant if needed to prevent rust, and be careful not to break your battery terminal or your battery cables.
Then, remove the clamps and fasteners holding the battery in place. If there are multiple clamps, you may need a socket extension to reach them.
Once you've removed the clamps and fasteners, remove the old battery. Be aware of its weight – it can weigh as much as 40 pounds.
Then, insert your new battery into the same spot, replacing any brackets or fasteners you removed earlier. Be sure to reconnect the positive cable (red) and the negative cable (black). Repeat until the battery is fully installed.