How often:
If you need a jump to start your car
in the morning, it might be time for
a battery change. You can bring your
car to a NAPA AutoCare Center for a
new battery or you can change it yourself.
Changing a car battery is a relatively
easy job that can be accomplished with
a few simple tools however some vehicles
have batteries that are located in tough
to service areas such as under the front
fender, under the rear seat or in the
trunk. If this is the case consider
giving the job to your local NAPA AutoCare
Center.
Your battery supplies the electrical
current necessary to start the engine.
It also provides necessary power to
the electrical components and accessories
even when the vehicle's engine isn't
running. The battery also acts as voltage
stabilizer for the whole electrical
system.
Things you'll
need from your garage or your local
NAPA store:
- New battery
- Battery terminal cleaning brush
- Proper tools to remove the battery
terminals and hold-down
Buy a replacement battery for
your car.
You must know the make and model
of your car to make the correct purchase.
Knowing the BCI number is helpful
as well. Car batteries come in different
sizes ,construction types, CCA (cold
cranking AMPS) and ampere hour ratings.
You want the replacement battery to
match the original battery as closely
as possible.
Open the hood of your car, using
the prop rod to hold it in place.
Locate the car battery and identify
the "positive" and "negative"
terminals. Positive terminals are
labeled with a "+" or color-coded
red. Negative terminals are labeled
with a "-" or color-coded
black. Loosen the bolt that holds
the negative terminal and remove the
negative cable first. Next, remove
the positive cable.
Unscrew the battery hold down
clamp.
Lift the battery and remove it from
the car. Inspect the battery terminal
clamps. Clean and replace them if
necessary.
Clean the battery tray.
Use plenty of fresh water or a mixture
of baking soda and water. Wait for
the terminal clamps and the battery
tray to dry before installing the
new battery.
It is important to clean all
corrosion from your battery.
Corrosion can be cleaned off by using
a stiff brush and a solution of baking
soda and water. After removing the
corrosion, rinse off the battery with
water. Clean the battery tray by wiping
it out with moist paper towels and
mild detergent. NAPA AUTO PARTS Stores
also carry anti-corrosive battery
spray. This should be used and will
prevent future corrosion.
Place the new battery into the
battery tray.
Make sure that the positive and negative
terminals are on the correct sides
and install the battery hold-down.
Reattach and tighten the positive
cable first, then the negative cable.
Start your car.
Verify that the installation is complete
and the cables are securely attached
to the battery posts. Release the
prop rod and close the hood of your
car securely.
Dispose of the old battery properly.
Car batteries contain highly toxic
material and cannot be thrown out
with your garbage. You can dispose
car batteries at your local NAPA AUTO
PARTS Stores or NAPA AutoCare Centers.
Important Tips:
- Wear gloves whenever working with
batteries and follow all safety
precautions listed in your owner's
manual.
- Your battery and charging system
or alternator should be inspected
at least once a year at your local
NAPA AutoCare Center.
- Neutralize any electrolyte spills
or corrosion with a solution of
baking soda and water.
- Always remove the negative terminal
first.
- Protect your eyes with safety
glasses when changing a car battery.
- Never touch a metal tool across
the battery terminal or from the
positive post to any other metal
on the car. Heeding this advice
will help prevent large sparks and
damage.
- Extinguish all smoking materials
and open flames. Be cautious about
creating any electrical sparks around
the battery.
