Changing your car battery is not rocket science and can be much simpler than you imagine. However, it's important to be aware of the safety measures when replacing your car battery to avoid any incidents.
But before you grab a wrench, take a moment to understand what's going on under the bonnet. A car battery holds a lot of power, so taking a few careful steps helps you stay safe and get the job done right.
What to Do Before You Remove a Car Battery
Here are safety instructions for you to remove the car battery with confidence.
Turn the Engine Off and Be Safe
To begin with, turn the engine off, take out the keys and park on level ground with the handbrake on. Wear gloves and eye protection to prevent sparks or splashes of acid.
Inspect the Battery Setup
Open the bonnet and examine the setup. Some cars will have plastic covers or brackets over the battery. Take a quick picture of the wiring so that you'll know how to reconnect it later.
Keep Your Settings in Mind
If your car has seat or radio memory settings, these could reset once the battery comes out. Mechanics often use a memory saver but at home, just make a note of your favourites.
Check Before You Replace
Before removing the battery from the car, ensure that it really needs replacing. Dim headlights or slow starts are good indicators. Tyrepower can test your battery for free.
What Tools Are Needed to Change a Car Battery
You won't need a full garage setup. Just have these handy:
- A 10mm or 13mm socket wrench (most clamps use these sizes)
- Gloves and safety glasses
- A terminal brush or a small wire brush
- Some clean rags or a paper towel
- The replacement battery, matched to your car's make and model
Step-by-Step Guide to Taking Out a Car Battery
Here's the part where you roll up your sleeves:
- Turn everything off. The ignition, lights, and accessories should all be off.
- Find the terminals. The negative terminal has a minus sign (-) or black cover, and the positive one has a plus sign (+) or red cover.
- Loosen the negative terminal first. This step is key for safety. Undo the clamp and move the cable aside so it can't snap back onto the post. This is how to disconnect a car battery safely.
- Then remove the positive terminal. Loosen it gently and keep it clear of the battery top.
- Remove any securing bracket. Some cars use a bar or clamp to hold the battery in place. Keep the bolts nearby so you don't lose them.
- Lift the battery straight up. Use both hands and keep it level. Car batteries are heavy and can leak acid if tipped.
How to Replace and Reconnect a Car Battery
Before you slot in the new battery, take a moment to clean the tray and cable ends. Corrosion (the white or green powdery stuff) can cause poor connections and shorten battery life. A small brush and a baking soda solution work well to remove it when removing the battery from the car.
Now place the new battery in position with the terminals facing the right direction. Secure it firmly with the clamp to make sure your car battery replacement sits safely and performs as it should.
When reconnecting:
- Connect the positive (+) terminal first.
- Then connect the negative (-) terminal.
Tighten both clamps snugly but not too tightly. Start the car and check that the engine turns over smoothly. Your lights and electronics should come back to life.
It's important to know how to read the car battery. If the vehicle doesn't start, check that the terminals are tight and the battery is fully charged. If the issue continues, there might be another problem in the electrical system. Knowing how to replace a car battery and how to reconnect a car battery properly makes sure your car stays reliable.
Dispose of the Old Battery Properly
Old batteries shouldn't end up in your household bin. They contain lead and acid, which can leak and harm the environment. The good news is that car batteries are almost 100% recyclable.
Bring your old one to a local recycling centre or auto parts shop. Most will take it off your hands for free, and the materials are safely recovered and reused to make new batteries.
Recycling your old battery properly helps keep toxic waste out of landfills and supports more sustainable car battery production.
Stay Road-Ready with Tyrepower
Replacing a battery is a good skill to have, but not everyone wants to wrestle with clamps and cables. Tyrepower makes it easy. We test, replace, and fit new batteries every day, ensuring the right size and performance for your vehicle.
Drop by your nearest Tyrepower store or book online to have your battery checked or replaced by professionals who care about keeping Aussies safely on the road.
