How to Replace a Car Battery
If you've determined a new battery is needed, here are the steps to take to replace it.Â
- First, turn the engine off, pop the hood and locate your battery. Using a combination wrench, you will remove the battery hold-down clamp. Â Then detach the negative (black) battery cable from the battery. Loosen the nut with a combination wrench, pliers or battery wrench. Twist and pull up on the end of the cable. Be gentle, you don't want to break the battery terminals. Once the negative battery cable is detached, work on the positive (red) battery cable.Â
- Once the battery is detached from all the clamps, remove the battery from the battery tray. Clean any corrosion from the battery tray with a battery-cleaning solution or baking soda and water mix. Â You may also clean the battery cable connectors with a wire brush or old toothbrush.Â
- Now you're ready for a new battery. Place the new battery in the battery hold-down tray and secure it with the hold-down clamp. Spray both terminal ends wit anti-corrosion solution. Attach and tighten the positive battery cable and negative battery cable.Â
- Double check all the cable connections and hold downs are properly tightened. If you can move the battery cable terminals at all, your car may not start due to a weak electrical connection. Â Once the battery is secure, you're ready to hit the road!Â
If you want to skip the dirty work, bring your car to Larry H. Miller Liberty Toyota at Powers Auto Park where our certified technicians will keep your Toyota a Toyota. We will even service your car the same day - just pull into our Express Maintenance lane! We offer new batteries plus FREE battery inspection AND installation. We will also recycle your old battery. Apples to Apples, you won't find a better deal on battery replacement services!Â