A dead car battery

How to replace

1.

MAKE SURE YOUR ENGINE ISN'T RUNNING

This might seem obvious, but it's an important first step. Put your vehicle in park and turn the engine off.

2.

DETACH THE NEGATIVE

Using a wrench or special battery pliers, detach the battery's negative cable by loosening the nut. Once the negative cable hardware is loosened, remove the cable by twisting and gently pulling.

3.

DETACH THE POSITIVE

Repeat the process of  detaching the negative cable  on the positive cable to disconnect it, too. 

4.

REMOVE THE BATTERY CLAMP

Using a wrench or special battery pliers, detach the battery's negative cable by loosening the nut. Once the negative cable hardware is loosened, remove the cable by twisting and gently pulling.

5.

REMOVE THE DEAD BATTERY

Have a level, dry place to set  down the old battery before lifting it from the car. Remove the dead battery and prep the space it leaves for the new battery.

6.

CLEAN UP ANY CORROSION OR RESIDUE

Clean the tray, battery posts, or battery connector with either a baking soda water solution or automobile-safe lubricant, and  a clean cloth or wire brush.

7.

INSTALL THE NEW BATTERY

Set the new battery in the empty space and make sure it sits securely in the tray. Attach the clamp — by moving the side arms independently into place — and tighten it so the battery doesn't move or jostle in its new home.

8.

ATTACH THE POSITIE AND NEGATIVE

Repeat the process of attaching the positive cable on the negative cable to reattach it, too. Make sure the connections are clean and the final mount doesn't move at all.

9.

DOUBLE CHECK ALL CONNECTIONS

You want to be sure that the terminals are tight against the posts for a good connection. If you can wiggle the cables at all, tighten them more. Loose battery cables can lead to problems starting the car, low voltage, or headlights flickering.

Shopping used cars

There are few things more frustrating than sitting behind the wheel of your car, ready to go somewhere, only to find that your car's battery is dead.  But why is your car battery dead, and what can you do to fix it? Contact us today for more  used car tips, tricks, and all  your buying needs!