Can You Install A Car Battery On Your Own?

Reasons Not To Install A Car Battery On Your Own

There are many genuine reasons why most motorists should leave replacing their vehicle’s battery to the professionals. Here are a few reasons why it is not advisable:

 

1.   Risk Of Injury Or Damage

Your car’s battery is heavy and clumsy to handle. It also contains hazardous chemicals and can potentially shock you.

Being challenging to handle, experts learn how to handle car batteries over time. Simply misplacing your hands on a battery can:

• Cause potential shocks or burns
• Cause burns from sulfuric acid spillage
• Crush digits like fingers and toes

 

2.   Incorrect Installation

When learning a new skill, we are all prone to making mistakes. Making a mistake when installing your car’s new battery can be easier than you think and potentially dangerous.

Installing and connecting the battery to the wrong terminal points can damage your car’s electrical system and the battery itself.

Another significant issue is selecting and installing the wrong battery for your vehicle. With a professional, they will automatically know if the battery is best suited for your car.

 

3.   Warranty Issues

Many new cars are sold with warranties, which, for the vast majority, require that only professionals work on your vehicle. Otherwise, you will lose your warranty.

 

4.   Lack of Proper Tools and Knowledge:

Tools are costly, with mechanical sets retailing for thousands of rands.

You risk damaging your car’s battery terminals or other components when installing a battery without the proper tools.

Also, when a professional replaces a car’s battery, they will run a diagnostic test to check if there aren’t other underlying issues with your vehicle, such as:

• A faulty alternator
• Bad wiring
• Or a parasitic draw from something in the car

 

5.   Disposal Challenges

As mentioned, car batteries contain hazardous waste, are heavy, and can hold an electrical charge, making proper disposal tricky.

Rather than figuring out where to dispose of your old vehicle’s battery, take it to a professional with a service that disposes of it properly.

Also, lead-acid batteries are up to 98% recyclable when disposed of correctly.

However, if you are confident that you can install your own car battery, follow these steps.

 

Steps To Installing Your Own Car Battery

Before installing your car’s new battery, you must be sure you’ve purchased the correct one. While you can double-check with our website for the correct battery, we always recommend checking your vehicle’s manual.

Your vehicle’s manual will also include the size it needs to be, its terminal configuration and the electrical requirements.

Now that we’ve ensured the battery is correct, you will want to gather the necessary tools.

 

Step 1: Gather The Tools

You will need several tools to complete the task, which includes:

• A spanner set
• Safety gloves and goggles
• Battery terminal cleaner or wire brush
• And anti-corrosion spray or grease

Also, as part of the preparation, find a secure place to park your car on a flat surface. Make sure to engage the car’s hand brake.

As a general safety rule, never work on a vehicle when its engine is still running. Always turn it off.

 

Step 2: Locating The Battery

While most would assume your car’s battery is under the bonnet, some manufacturers have allocated it elsewhere, such as BMW placing it in their boot.

Knowing where your car’s battery is located can make everything much more manageable, such as dropping the battery into place.

However, if you’re struggling to find it, refer to your vehicle’s manual.

 

Step 3: Disconnecting The Old Battery

Always disconnect the negative terminal, marked with a minus sign (-), first to prevent short circuits. When loosening the clamp, keep it intact, as it can be inconvenient to reassemble, and place it out of the way.

When ready, disconnect the positive terminal mark with a plus sign (+) and place the clamp out of the way.

Do not let the spanner touch both terminals simultaneously, as this can cause sparks or a nasty shock.

 

Step 4: Removing The Old Battery

Most batteries are held in place by multiple clamps, each of which can function differently. Before removing the old battery, ensure that all these brackets are loose.

Ensure you can lift the battery from the car independently. If you’re unable to, get help from someone.

 

Step 5: Cleaning The Battery Tray And Terminals

When the old battery is out of the car, this is a good opportunity to inspect and clean the battery’s tray and terminals.

Using a wire brush or cleaning solution, remove any corrosion and dirt from the tray, terminals, and cables. By cleaning the terminal clamps, you’re making sure there is a good connection between the new battery and the car.

 

Step 6: Installing The New Battery

If you need help removing the old battery, ask for help installing a new one. Make sure to place the new battery in the same orientation as the old one so the car’s terminal points can be attached to the terminals correctly.

When you are happy with the battery’s placement in the tray, secure it with the hold-down clamps.

 

Step 7: Connecting The New Battery

Before attaching your new battery, apply grease to the terminal points to prevent rust and dirt buildup.

When it is time to connect your battery, attach the positive terminal first, then tighten the clamp securely, followed by the negative one.

After you’re done, test everything to ensure it’s working perfectly. Just start your car and check for any issues. It’s that simple!

 

But What Should You Do If There’s A Problem?

However, if it is not working, you will need to contact a professional to help.

Luckily, Willard’s battery stockists are located nationwide and can help you troubleshoot what’s wrong with your battery.

Or, maybe they can install your car’s new battery for you.