How to Install a Car Battery

Nissan Mechanic removing battery from car
 

Your vehicle’s battery is essential for powering many components of your vehicle, from providing the energy needed to ignite the spark plugs to powering your windows. While learning how to install a car battery is relatively straightforward, several steps should be taken to ensure it is installed correctly and safely.

With this battery guide, we’ll show you the easy installation steps to get you back on Minneapolis and White Bear Lake roads. If you’re searching for “car battery installation near Maplewood,” stop into our Maplewood service center.

Required Tools for Installing a Battery

The battery within your vehicle is powerful and can be a hazard when handled incorrectly. Car batteries contain enough amperage to seriously injure or electrocute someone, and inside the battery lies battery acid, which is highly corrosive and can cause chemical burns. When handling a battery, it’s essential that you wear thick gloves to protect yourself from potential hazards. Here are the tools you’ll need when learning how to install a car battery:

  • Wrenches
  • Battery cleaning solution
  • New battery
  • Wire brush
  • Pliers
  • Anti-corrosion spray
  • Wear thick rubber gloves (for protecting your hands)

Steps for How to Install a Car Battery

When installing a car battery at your Hudson, WI home, park your car and engage your parking brake. Turn the engine off and pop the hood to access the battery housing, then follow these steps: 

  1. Use a wrench to loosen the nut that secures the negative cable (black cable) to the battery. If you don’t have an appropriately sized wrench, you can find car battery wrenches at a local auto parts store. 
  2. Once the nut is loosened, you can twist and pull the cable to remove it. Try not to use another tool, like a screwdriver, to pry the cable loose. Instead, continue to loosen it until it gives, or use a penetrating oil to lubricate the nut.
  3. Repeat the steps above to remove the positive cable (red cable) from the battery.
  4. Continue loosening the nuts of the battery hold-down clamp, which prevents the battery from shifting under the hood. Remove the clamp to access the battery. 
  5. Carefully remove the battery using both hands. The battery may be heavy and leak hazardous fluids. 
  6. A mixture of baking soda and water or a battery cleaning product can be used to remove any corrosion built up in the battery tray or on the hold-down clamp. 
  7. Use a wire brush and cleaning solution to clean off the battery cable connectors. 
  8. Place the new battery in the tray, then secure it by placing and securing the hold-down clamp.
  9. An anti-corrosion solution can help protect the battery and lengthen its life. Spray the solution on the battery’s positive and negative terminals before connecting the cables. 
  10. When attaching the battery cables to the terminal, connect the red cable first, followed by the black cable. 
  11. Ensure the connections are secure, and try to shake the battery to make sure it’s in place. If it doesn’t move, you’re good to give the battery a test.
  12. Start the engine. If it starts with no issues, you’ve successfully learned how to install a car battery!

Schedule Battery Service at Kline Nissan! 

Completing DIY repairs is a good way to stay on top of your vehicle’s health. Learning how to install a car battery is an essential service you can handle to easily get back on the road. However, car services aren’t always convenient. When you need to search “car battery installation near Maplewood,” you can trust the team at Kline Nissan to get you up and running. Schedule service online and save on your next visit with our available service specials

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