How do you change a car battery?

To change a car battery, loosen the nuts that secure the cables to the terminals, and then lift the battery out of the car to exchange it for a new one. Wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from acid leaks.

1. Mix a cleaning solution

   Mix a cleaning solution together that is one part baking soda and one part water.

2. Tap on the posts and cables

   Use a hammer to tap on the terminal posts and cables to remove some of the sulfate deposits.

3. Clean the terminals

   Dip a paintbrush in the cleaning solution, and brush it on the terminals to remove the rest of the deposits.

4. Wipe the terminals

   Use a rag to wipe the terminals clean.

5. Trap acid leaks

   Use duct tape to seal any cracks in the battery where acid might leak.

6. Remove the terminal cable from the negative post

   Use a wrench to loosen the nut that secures the terminal cable to the negative post, and hold the head in place with a pair of pliers.

7. Disconnect the cable

   Disconnect the clamp once the nut is loose to remove the cable.

8. Remove the positive terminal cable

   Repeat the procedure to remove the positive terminal cable.

9. Remove the restraint

   Loosen the nut that secures the plate over the battery.

10. Remove the battery

    Grab hold of the handle or the sides of the battery, and lift it out of the car and onto the ground.

11. Clean the cable clamps

    Use the paintbrush to remove stray sulfate deposits from the cable clamps and battery compartment.

12. Spray the terminal cables

    Spray the ends of the terminal cables with corrosion protection.

13. Secure the new battery

    Place the new battery in the battery compartment, and secure it.

14. Clean the cables

    Clean the new terminal posts, and spray them with corrosion protection.

15. Connect the cables

    Connect the positive cable before the negative cable, and then secure the nuts.