Just like vehicle filters, car batteries don’t last forever. In fact, the average lifespan of a car battery is only around 3-5 years.
Signs your car battery may need replacing include the battery not holding a charge, the car not starting, corroded terminals or if the battery struggles to meet performance demand.
In today’s post, The Filter Services UK team is here to give you an overview of what’s involved when you need to swap out your old car battery for a new one.
Grab These Things First
- Anti-corrosion grease
- Battery terminal cleaner or wire brush
- Gloves and safety glasses
- New car battery (correct size/type for your vehicle)
- Wrench or socket set (usually 10mm)
Locate The Battery
Begin the process of changing a car battery by ensuring it’s safe to do so.
Some essential steps include making sure the engine is off and that the keys are not in the ignition. The area you are working in should also be well-ventilated as car batteries can contain acid and emit gas.
You will also need to disconnect the negative (-) terminal first to avoid short circuits.
From there, it’s safe to locate the battery which is normally under the bonnet. However, in some cars, the battery can be located in the boot or even under the back seat.
Once you’ve located the battery, remove any covers or brackets holding it in place.
Disconnect The Terminals
To disconnect the terminals, start with the negative terminal (usually black with a “–” sign). Use a wrench to loosen the nut, then wiggle and lift off the cable.
You will then need to disconnect the positive terminal (usually red with a “+” sign). Remain extremely careful to ensure no metal is touched.
Remove The Old Battery
It’s time to remove the battery so that a new one can go in its place. To do so, remove any hold-down clamps or brackets.
Lift the battery out using both hands to ensure the battery is well supported as it’s heavy. Also, careful lifting helps prevent tilting which can cause acid leaks.
Clean The Terminals
Use a wire brush or battery terminal cleaner to remove corrosion from the cable ends.
Apply some anti-corrosion grease.
Install The New Battery
Thankfully, you can speed through the next few steps as now, it’s simply a case of placing the new battery in the tray in the same orientation (positive and negative on the correct sides).
Secure it with the bracket or hold-down clamp.
Reconnect The Terminals
Connect the positive terminal first and tighten it. Then connect the negative terminal and tighten it.
Double check that both feel snug but not overtightened.
Test It
Start the car. If it starts smoothly, you’ve done everything correctly.
To make sure, check that electrical systems (i.e. the radio and lights) work normally.
Filter Services UK – Discover The Leading Automotive Filters On Our Website
Now you know the steps involved in swapping a car battery, does your vehicle also require new filters to keep it running safely and efficiently?
Find Baldwin, Donaldson, Fleetguard, Hifi and Mann filters in seconds on our website.
Or, if you have any questions about our automotive features please give us a call or send us a message and our team will be with you shortly.