A garage or driveway is a good place to change your battery. Just make sure the area is well-ventilated (i. e. keep the garage door open). Disconnecting the battery will reset the clock, radio, navigation, and alarm settings so make sure you know your alarm code before you get started. If you don’t remember it, check your owner’s manual.
Take off any metal jewelry you’re wearing, like a watch or ring, to protect yourself from electric shock. Wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting greasy.
Refer to your owner’s manual if you aren’t able to find the battery. Note that on some vehicles, the battery is located in the trunk rather than under the hood.
Use a cable tie to secure the negative cable to the engine bay, making sure it doesn’t come into contact with anything metal. Depending on the vehicle, you may need a 7-mm, 8-mm, 10-mm, or 13-mm wrench to remove the cables. However, if your battery terminals have quick-release clamps, you won’t need any tools to remove the cables.
The battery may weigh more than 20 pounds (9. 1 kg), so ask a friend for help if you can’t lift it yourself.
Remember that battery acid is corrosive, so avoid getting it on your skin or clothes.
Automotive batteries vary in size and electrical capacity so make sure you purchase one designed for your specific vehicle. If it’s not the right size, the battery might not fit correctly in the cavity where it’s supposed to sit. [9] X Expert Source Hovig ManouchekianAuto Repair & Design Specialist Expert Interview. 23 February 2021. If you live in the U. S. , you may want to bring the old battery with you. Some auto parts stores will let you trade in the old battery so you don’t have to pay a “core fee” for the new one. If the auto parts store won’t take the old battery off your hands, take it to a service or recycling center for disposal. Do not throw it away because it contains corrosive material.
Make sure the battery is oriented the same way as the old one. [11] X Expert Source Hovig ManouchekianAuto Repair & Design Specialist Expert Interview. 23 February 2021. Check that all the fasteners on the bracket are secure so the battery doesn’t vibrate or move around while you’re driving. [12] X Expert Source Hovig ManouchekianAuto Repair & Design Specialist Expert Interview. 23 February 2021. Do not spray the lithium grease on any other parts of the engine block other than the positive and negative terminals.
If your battery has a plastic cover, replace it at this time.
Make sure all of your electronic devices are working properly, then reset your clock, radio, and navigation system.
