Do you know that battery-related issues account for approximately 43% of all car breakdowns? If your car battery is not good, you might experience dim headlights, malfunctioning electronics, and an unreliable vehicle.
Therefore, a well-functioning battery is essential to ensure your car starts without problems and that all its electrical components perform at their best.
Generally, you need to replace your battery every 3 – 5 years. However, you may need to do a car battery installation more frequently due to certain factors, like the scorching heat of Texas, which exceeded 119°F last year.
If you are tired of dealing with battery issues, here’s the good news: learning how to replace your car battery can save you money and time.
To help you replace your battery safely and efficiently, this guide explains why and when you need a new battery and provides 6 simple steps for a seamless car battery installation.
Understanding the Basics of Car Battery Installation
A car battery is a box-like part of your car that powers your electronics and helps start your vehicle. On this box, there is one positive and one negative terminal that connects to the car and through which current passes through.
Also, it contains a highly corrosive liquid in a small box that can weigh well over 20 pounds. So, you will need protective gear to handle it and a clear area to set down the used battery.
Usually, older cars have cheaper batteries because they have less electrical parts and consume less energy. Meanwhile, newer models with many energy-consuming accessories will need more expensive batteries. Plus, these batteries may be harder to access, increasing the cost to install a car battery.
If there is corrosion or the battery is otherwise depleted, the current cannot pass efficiently. This is what causes your car to have trouble starting or your headlights to be dim.
Therefore, you should do the following actions to verify if your battery needs replacing:
- Inspect the battery itself for damage
- Look at the dashboard for a warning light
- Note any issues with your electrical parts
- Start your car and check if it starts smoothly
Tools and Materials Needed for Installing a Car Battery
To replace your car battery, you will need tools to protect yourself and to remove the cables connecting the battery to your car.
Notably, you should ensure you have the following tools and materials at hand before you start the process:
- Safety gloves
- Goggles
- Socket wrench set
- Battery terminal cleaner or wire brush
- New compatible car battery compatible
You may also use anti-corrosion washers to prevent corrosion on the new battery as well as may use dielectric grease on the terminals.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Install a Car Battery
Replacing a car battery can be simple if it is easily accessible, such as with older models. If not, you should look for professional services.
In either case, having someone else nearby can be helpful so you can have help to lift the battery out of your car.
Now, let us get into the details of this installation.
1. Prepare for the Installation
To start installing car battery, you will need to prepare your car for the process. Park it on a flat surface, engage the parking brake, turn off the ignition, and take the key out. Then, you will need to open the hood or trunk and look for the car battery.
Pro tip: If you cannot find the battery, search it in your car’s manual.
2. Remove the Old Battery
Once you have found your battery, disconnect the negative terminal first while wearing gloves and goggles. It has a “ – ” sign. Then, you should disconnect the cable from the positive terminal, which has a “ + ” sign.Â
You may use the socket wrench set for this step to remove the clamps or bars holding the battery down. Next, you will need to lift the battery.
Warning: As you install car batteries, you should never touch the terminals with anything in metal, including your tools.
3. Clean the Battery Terminals
After you have removed the old battery, you should clean the battery terminals with anti-corrosion, battery terminal cleaner, or wire bushes before you install car battery.
This is especially necessary if there is corrosion on the terminals and cables. After you have ensured the terminals are clean, you should let them dry completely.
4. Install the New Battery
Now that the terminals are clean comes the step where you learn how to install a battery on a car.
 To start with, you will fit the new battery in the space of the old one. Its positive and negative terminals should point in the same way as the old battery.Â
Then, you can secure it in place and apply anti-corrosion washers and dielectric grease on the terminals.
5. Connecting the New Battery
After you install a car battery, you will need to connect the terminals to their corresponding cables, using wrenches to ensure it is secure.
Most importantly, you must always start with the positive terminal to avoid accidentally completing a circuit and receiving a shock.
6. Test the Installation
Finally, you should test whether you have successfully gone through how to install car battery.
 You will test your installation by starting your vehicle and looking at the dashboard for the battery warning light to see if your accessories are all working correctly.Â
Notably, you should dispose of the batter correctly at an auto parts store.
Professional Car Battery Installation Services at Integrity 1st Automotive
Installing a new car part can be challenging, especially if you lack the toolset of a professional. With Integrity 1st Automotive, you can relax and leave the installing of a new car battery to professionals.
Our technicians have the expertise and certification to guarantee a top-level service. Plus, we can identify underlying issues such as faulty ignition coil, saving you from frequent and costly car part replacements.
On top of our thorough car battery replacements and check-ups, we also provide the following services in Texas:
- Scheduled maintenance
- Engine light check
- Fluid exchanges
- Oil changes
- State compliant inspections
Recap
As you have noticed, a car battery installation is essential to fix a range of issues with your car. From trouble starting it to dim headlights, you may correct these issues by using the above guide. Through the 6 steps mentioned above, you can safely remove an old battery, clean the terminals, and connect a new one.
Still, this installation bears some risk. Like, the battery may be harder to access in new car models. That is why it is usually best to leave this process to professionals like Integrity 1st Automotive. We have special tools and techniques to locate and safely replace your car battery and sort out any other issues with your car.
Visit any of our stores in Texas and feel reassured that professionals are properly tending to all your car needs.
