Replacement Battery For Car: How to Replace a Car Battery
Car battery replacement is one of the regular maintenance services that every car owner must take their car through. The battery is essential to the car as it ensures all electric parts can run. Luckily, replacing a car battery is a straightforward process that almost every car owner can carry out.
Signs Your Car Battery Needs a Replacement
Several signs can help you identify that your car needs a battery replacement, including:
- Difficulty turning over the engine: When you notice that nothing happens when you turn the key, it is a clear sign of a dead battery.
- Headlight issues: Dim headlights when the car is off can mean the battery is faulty. If you notice dim headlights when driving, the alternator may be faulty.
- Dashboard warning lights: Some cars will display an indicator light on the dashboard to warn you of a battery that is almost to die.
- The starter cranks slower than expected: Check if the motor cranks slowly or struggles when turning the key. That could be an indicator of a faulty battery.
- Cracks and leaks: A battery with cracks, leaks, or visible damage should be replaced immediately. One way to detect leaks is by looking for any strange odors in the car.
How To Select A Replacement Battery For a Car
You must understand the battery size and several other features to select the correct car replacement battery. Installing a faulty car battery can result in problems in your car’s electrical system. Be sure to check the following:
- Battery size
- Battery type
- Power needs
Battery Group Size
Car batteries have different group sizes based on the vehicle model and engine type. The group size is indicated using a two-digit number followed by a letter.
Every car has a specific size of car battery tray. It depends on the manufacturer and the particular battery group size for which it is designed. The replacement car battery should fit perfectly in the battery tray.
The battery size, voltage, and terminal placements must be compatible with your car. Check the vehicle’s manual for the group size. Most batteries have the group size indicated on the top or side, so you can also check the old battery.
Battery Type
Your car either has a conventional lead-acid or a more advanced AGM battery. Most cars use conventional batteries.
AGM batteries can cope with repeated discharging and recharging better. They are also spill-resistant. Ensure you pick the same battery type you got in the car from the factory.
Power Needs
Two settings determine the battery power needs:
- Cold-cranking amps (CCA): CCA rating is the amount of power your battery can produce in cold weather. Your car will not start if the battery doesn’t provide sufficient amperage to turn over.
- Reserve capacity (RC): RC measures the time a car battery can continuously supply the minimum voltage required to keep the car running smoothly when the engine is off.
Check the CCA and RC ratings before purchasing a battery car replacement. Remember that batteries have acid, which corrodes if kept for a few months. Don’t purchase a battery for a spare, as it might go dead if you fail to use it.
How To Replace A Car Battery
Follow these steps to replace the battery for your car:
- Step 1: Find the car battery
- Step 2: Disconnect the battery terminals
- Step 3: Remove the old battery
- Step 4: Clean the battery tray
- Step 5: Install the new battery
- Step 6: Close the hood
Step 1: Find the Car Battery
Park the car, turn it off, and remove the key. Wait for the engine to cool down before you can locate the battery. Many cars have batteries under the hood in a metal or plastic tray. Some vehicles have their battery installed in the trunk.
Step 2: Disconnect the Battery Terminals
Every battery has two terminals, positive and negative. You’ll often find the positive terminal covered with a red plastic cover and marked (+). The negative terminal has a black plastic cover, and it’s labeled (-).
Cables are connected to the terminals, and you should always disconnect the one on the negative terminal first. Make sure you have work gloves on. You can also wear eye protection.
Use a wrench to loosen the bolt on the negative connector to the terminal. Once the bolt is loose, twist and lift the connector to remove it from the terminal. Repeat the process for the positive terminal.
Step 3: Remove the Old Battery
Car batteries have hold-downs to ensure that the battery doesn’t move. You may also find the battery secured by a metal bar over it. Loosen the bolts that secure the hold-downs and remove the battery. To avoid spillage, keep the battery upright.
Step 4: Clean the Battery Tray
Use a battery cleaner and wire brush to clean the battery tray. You can also use baking soda and water. Be sure to clean the connectors, too, and dry them thoroughly. Ensure the connectors and cables are not damaged or frayed.
Step 5: Install the New Battery
Ensure that the battery matches the previous position of the positive and negative terminals. Place it on the battery tray and reattach the hold-downs to secure it. Clean both terminals with protective felt washers or battery anti-corrosive gel before reconnecting the cables.
Start with the positive cable. Push the connector down to the base of the terminal, then tighten it. Repeat the procedure for the negative terminal.
Step 6: Close the Hood
A new battery replacement for a car usually comes charged and can start the vehicle immediately.
Car Battery Replacement Near Me
Most mechanics have new batteries on hand, so they’ll quickly handle car battery replacements. The replacement can take 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the make and model. Based on the battery’s power, size, and quality, replacement costs between $45 to $300. Labor charges may also vary depending on the location.
For all your car battery replacement services In LaGrange, Georgia, visit Auto Gallery Chevrolet Buick GMC. Auto Gallery conducts tests to ensure that you will not experience other problems with your battery after replacement. All issues get fixed, including issues with the alternator, short circuits, and other electrical problems.