How to Change a Car Battery

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Use Code: DEAL4WINTER](/lp/autozone-savings?intcmp=GLO:PEN:1:20260111:20260117:GEN:DEAL4WINTER) [Sign In](/signin) Sign In [Cart](/cart) 43931 farmwell hunt plazaOPEN Until 8:00 PM Most Popular Categories Trending Topics # How to Change a Car Battery No matter how well you take care of your vehicle, the battery won't last forever. Changing a car battery yourself offers several benefits, from saving on labor costs to gaining the satisfaction of completing a straightforward DIY project. While professional services can add to the overall expense, swapping out a battery is a relatively simple task that most car owners can handle with minimal tools. Doing it yourself not only saves money but also gives you the confidence to tackle other basic car maintenance tasks in the future, making it a rewarding experience both financially and personally. Here’s how to do it. In this article ## Suggested AutoZone Products [Car Batteries](https://www.autozone.com/batteries-starting-and-charging/battery?intcmp=BLG:BDY:1:20221108:00000000:GEN:how-to) Vehicle-specific: Enter your vehicle’s year, make, model, and engine, and we’ll find the battery that fits. [Buy Now](https://www.autozone.com/batteries-starting-and-charging/battery?intcmp=BLG:BDY:1:20221108:00000000:GEN:how-to "Buy Now") [Dielectric Grease and Washers](https://www.autozone.com/wash-cleaners-and-exterior-care-products/battery-protectant/ags-battery-install-kit-with-grease-and-washers/554868_0_0?intcmp=BLG:BDY:1:20221108:00000000:GEN:how-to ) This grease and these washers will help protect your terminals from corrosion. [Buy Now](https://www.autozone.com/wash-cleaners-and-exterior-care-products/battery-protectant/ags-battery-install-kit-with-grease-and-washers/554868_0_0?intcmp=BLG:BDY:1:20221108:00000000:GEN:how-to "Buy Now") [Battery Cables](https://www.autozone.com/batteries-starting-and-charging/battery-cable?intcmp=BLG:BDY:1:20221108:00000000:GEN:how-to) If your old cables are worn out, now’s a great time to change them. [Buy Now](https://www.autozone.com/batteries-starting-and-charging/battery-cable?intcmp=BLG:BDY:1:20221108:00000000:GEN:how-to "Buy Now") [Tools](https://www.autozone.com/tools-and-equipment?intcmp=BLG:BDY:1:20221108:00000000:GEN:how-to) [Buy Now](https://www.autozone.com/tools-and-equipment?intcmp=BLG:BDY:1:20221108:00000000:GEN:how-to "Buy Now") ## Step-by-Step Guide to Removing and Replacing Your Car Battery Before getting started, make sure you have the necessary tools and materials to safely change your car battery. Here’s what you’ll need: * Wrench to loosen tight bolts on the [battery terminals](https://www.autozone.com/diy/how-to/how-to-replace-battery-terminals). * Ratchet set for loosening and tightening the battery terminals and hold-down. * Safety goggles to protect your eyes from potential acid splashes or debris. * Gloves to keep your hands safe from battery acid and other contaminants. * Wire brush for cleaning off any corrosion from the battery terminals or connectors before installing the [new battery](https://www.autozone.com/diy/symptoms/car-wont-start-with-a-new-battery). * Terminal grease to prevent future corrosion and ensure a better connection between the battery and terminals. ### 1. Safety First Before starting, ensure you’re working safely: Park on a flat, dry surface – Engage the parking brake and turn off the ignition. Allow the engine to cool – If the vehicle was recently running, give it time to cool down. Wear protective gear – Put on safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from battery acid and debris. Avoid smoking – Never smoke or allow sparks near the battery to avoid dangerous situations. ### 2. Disconnecting the Battery Cables To safely disconnect the battery, follow these steps: Start with the negative terminal – This cable is usually black and marked with a minus (-) symbol. Disconnecting the negative terminal first prevents accidental short-circuiting. Top-post batteries – Use a ratchet to loosen and remove the clamp from the negative terminal. Move the cable away from the battery. Side-post batteries – Use an 8mm ratchet to loosen the fastener on the negative terminal and set the cable aside. Disconnect the positive terminal – This cable is usually red and marked with a plus (+) symbol. Be cautious not to touch any metal parts with the ratchet while working, as this can cause sparks. ### 3. Removing the Old Battery Once the cables are disconnected, follow these steps to remove the battery: Locate and remove the restraint – Most vehicles have a bar or clamp that holds the battery in place. Use your ratchet or wrench to remove the bolts securing the restraint. Lift the battery out – Car batteries can be heavy, so use proper lifting techniques. Set the battery aside carefully to avoid any acid spills. Dispose of the old battery properly – Many auto parts stores and recycling centers accept old car batteries for proper disposal. ### 4. Cleaning and Installing the New Battery Before installing the new battery, clean the terminals and cables to ensure a good connection: Clean the terminals – Use a wire brush to remove corrosion or dirt from the battery cable ends and terminals. A clean connection helps the new battery function properly. Apply terminal grease – Apply a small amount of terminal grease to the terminals to prevent future corrosion. Now, install the new battery: Position the new battery – Carefully place the new battery into the tray and secure it with the restraint or clamp. Connect the positive terminal first – Attach the red cable to the positive terminal and tighten the clamp. Connect the negative terminal – Attach the black cable to the negative terminal and tighten the clamp. Final check – Ensure the battery is secure and the terminals are tightly connected. Clean up any tools or debris before starting the engine. After you’ve removed your car battery, it’s time to install the replacement. Apply terminal grease before attaching the positive cable first, and then connecting the negative cable. The exact installation method will vary depending on whether you are installing a top-post or side-post battery. You can find articles describing the steps for and videos of each installation procedure below. ## Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Solutions While changing a car battery is straightforward, a few common issues may arise: * If the battery is stuck due to corrosion or rust, try gently rocking it back and forth to loosen it. Use a battery terminal puller if the terminals are hard to remove, and apply a rust penetrant if needed. * If the terminals are heavily corroded, they may be difficult to remove or reconnect. Use a wire brush to [clean off the corrosion](https://www.autozone.com/diy/battery/clean-car-battery-corrosion) thoroughly and apply terminal grease to prevent future buildup. * If the car doesn’t start, double-check that the terminals are connected tightly and in the correct order (positive first, negative second). Ensure the battery is fully charged, and if the issue persists, there may be a problem with the [alternator](https://www.autozone.com/diy/battery/bad-battery-vs-bad-alternator) or [electrical system](https://www.autozone.com/diy/electrical/electrical-issues-after-replacing-car-battery) that needs further diagnosis. Once you’ve installed the new battery, try starting the car to test your work, then consider driving to AutoZone to exchange your old battery for a core credit. If the job is too big for you, seek out one of our [Preferred Shops](https://www.autozone.com/diy/battery/how-to-replace-a-car-battery) to help you do the job. ## Related Video ## FAQs If you accidentally touch the positive and negative terminals together, immediately disconnect the battery to prevent short-circuiting and potential damage or injury. You may need to replace your car battery if you experience slow engine cranking, dim headlights, or a battery that is over three to five years old and not holding a charge. You must use a battery that matches your car’s specifications for size, power, and terminal type, which can be found in the owner’s manual, at AutoZone online, or by consulting an AutoZone store. Bring it to a recycling center, a hazardous waste facility, or bring it to your local AutoZone to receive a gift card in exchange. If the new battery doesn’t start the car, check the terminal connections, make sure the battery is charged, and inspect the alternator or electrical system for potential issues. Once you’ve installed the new battery, try starting the car to test your work, then consider driving to [AutoZone](https://www.autozone.com/locations/?intcmp=BLG:BDY:1:20221108:00000000:GEN:how-to) to exchange your old battery for a core credit. If the job is too big for you, seek out one of our [Preferred Shops](https://www.autozone.com/lp/find-a-repair-shop?intcmp=BLG:BDY:1:20221108:00000000:GEN:how-to) to help you do the job.