At some point in your car’s lifetime, you will probably need to get your battery replaced. Maybe you notice that the lights are a bit dimmer than usual, or maybe the car is a bit sluggish to start. These are both signs that your battery is on its way out. Of course, if your battery is flat or dead, it won’t start at all; a really flat or dead battery won’t even have enough juice to work the central locking.
If you are in any doubt as to whether you need to replace your car battery, contact a local garage. If you are planning on fitting the battery yourself, read on for a brief guide on how to fit your car battery.
- Before you start, make sure that you have all the necessary pin codes (radio, sat nav, alarm), so that you can reactivate any devices once you have finished.
- Start off with the car on the flat, with the handbrake on. Don’t leave your keys in the car – keep them in your pocket; when you remove the old battery, the central locking might activate. It is advisable that you wear protective gloves and goggles; battery acid burns.
- Make sure that you know which is the negative (- black) connective and which is the positive (+ red) one. Always disconnect the negative terminal first. If you disconnect the positive first, you could damage your car’s electric system. Once you have removed the negative terminal, repeat with the positive, then undo the clamps or screws that secure the battery in place.
- Keep the battery upright to prevent acid leaks, and carefully place the old battery to one side, leaving it in a safe place.
- Keeping the plastic coverings on the battery posts, place the new battery in the holding, ensuring that the negatives and positives match. Double check that the battery is in the right way around (you can never be too sure!), then do up the screws or clamps that hold the battery in place. Remove the protective covers from the posts and connect the new battery: positive first, then negative.
- Once you are done, you need to dispose of the old battery. First, carefully check it for damage; cracks or dents will make it more likely to leak so extra caution will be needed. Wrap the battery in one (or, to be safe, two) plastic bags and, ensuring that you keep it upright at all times, take it to your local recycling centre. If they don’t recycle batteries, some garages or scrap merchants will; call ahead to make sure.
Changing a car battery is a relatively straightforward procedure. However, if you are not confident in what you are doing, replacing the battery yourself may end up being a false economy; if in doubt, seek professional help.
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