The Ultimate Car Battery Replacement Guide
Car batteries can die for a variety of reasons, including leaving lights on, faulty belts that prevent the alternator from charging it, and even loose or corroded battery connections. So, if this occurs to you and you need to replace your car battery but don't know where to begin, we've put together a step-by-step guide on how to do it yourself.
How do I know my car battery needs replacing?
- Your battery warning light stays illuminated on your dashboard once you start your car
- A check engine light stays illuminated on your dashboard once you start your car
- Your car won’t start at all
- Your car won’t start even after you’ve jump started it
- There’s a powdery residue around the terminals of the battery
How to change a car battery
Step 1: Firstly, you need to find the correct battery for your car. You can either look in your owner's manual or use RAC’s online battery finder.
Step 2: Park your car on a flat and even surface, lift your bonnet and locate the battery - it’ll likely be located near to one of your headlights, however sometimes they can be in the boot.
Step 3: Disconnect the battery terminals which will either be located on top of the battery or to the sides. Using a spanner, disconnect the negative terminal first (it’ll be black) to prevent any charge running through the battery.
Step 4: Lift the battery out carefully as they can be heavy, and keep it upright to stop any acid potentially spilling out.
Step 5: Clean off any residue around the terminals. A mixture consisting of baking powder and hot water will effectively remove any extra dirt and oil. Use a toothbrush or wire brush to ensure you’re getting in all the crevices and are cleaning it effectively.
Step 6: Place the new battery in place, connecting the positive terminal first and then the negative. Ensure everything is fixed into place securely.
Step 7: Test if your battery is working by starting the car. Take it for a short drive to ensure it’s charging correctly.
How do I dispose of my old car battery?
Due to the corrosive chemicals contained within car batteries, you can’t dispose of them with your regular household waste. Instead, check if your local recycling centre accepts old car batteries, or any recycling centres around your area. You can also find local hazardous waste disposal sites using the tool on gov.uk.
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