Need To Replace Your Vehicle's Dead Battery? Follow These 4 Tips

A common problem that you'll likely run into with your vehicle is a dead battery. Thankfully, this is one repair that you can do on your own. It will help to follow these tips to ensure that you are doing the job correctly.

Gather the Right Tools

You are going to need a few tools to change a battery, but you may not have all of them. While a socket wrench set is ideal for disconnecting the battery terminals, you'll also want to have a terminal cleaning brush to help get rid of any corrosion. It can also be helpful to have a battery terminal spreader, which helps prevent the need to use a hammer to get a clamp to wrap around a tight terminal post. 

Buy the Right Battery

There are many different types of batteries available, with a certain type being used for your specific vehicle. One thing to look out for is the physical size of the battery and if it will fit into your vehicle, which is easy to figure out by looking at the battery group number. If you are unsure of what type of cell and chemistry type the battery has, just bring it in to an auto parts store to help find a matching one. In addition, it will help you get that core charge back since you don't need to return to the store with your old battery.

Know How to Disconnect the Battery

There is a right and wrong way to disconnect your vehicle battery. Make sure that you always disconnect the negative battery cable first, which is typically a cable that is black or brown. The battery should have a negative sign next to the terminal, and is typically uncovered. The positive side is removed second, which is typically a red cable with a plus sign next to the covered terminal. Make sure that you do not touch any metal components with your metal tools, or else you can create a very big spark. When reconnecting the battery, connect the positive terminal first and the negative terminal second to also avoid a spark.

Clean the Terminals

Having a clean connection between the post and battery terminal is vital to have a properly working battery. Use your battery terminal cleaning brush to scrub off any corrosion that is on the terminal so that it is smooth. If you have a lot of corrosion, you can use a battery terminal cleaning spray as well to help get it ready. 

For more information about car battery installation, consult with a professional today. 

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