How to change your car battery

More about Steve Strope

Lots of people like to handle routine car repairs on their own, but changing your car battery can be dangerous! Auto Expert Steve Strope explains the right way to change a car battery so you can save money and stay safe at the same time!

"While most batteries last around five to seven years, if you notice that your headlights are starting to dim or your car needs a jump-start and doesn't hold a charge very long, it's probably time to replace it," says Steve. "But first, check that it's not just a loose battery cable or corrosion."

Before going to your local auto supply store for your replacement battery, you'll need your vehicle's make, model and year.

Steve recommends taking the old battery with you for two reasons: One, it will get you the exact one you need, and two, they can recycle your old battery for you.

"Now before we actually change the battery, it's safety first. Because battery acid is corrosive, it will burn your skin or even worse damage your eyes," Steve explains. "So the first thing we're going to do is disconnect the negative or ground cable from the battery. This kills the electrical system and makes it safe to remove the battery. Tuck it down so it can't pop back up and touch the terminal again."

Next is removing the positive battery cable using the same steps as the negative. Sometimes they're a little tight, so you have to work with them.

"So now, with the hold-down battery clamp out of the way, you're ready to remove the battery. Remember batteries are heavy, so don't hurt yourself. Be prepared to lift or get somebody to do it for you. Next step is, we're going to put back in the battery-hold-down clamp," says Steve.

Next you re-connect the battery cables.

Start with the positive cable first. Make sure to clean out the center of the battery cable, because if there's corrosion inside, it won't allow the electricity to flow from the post into your cable.

Once the last cable, the negative or ground cable, is connected -- then everything's back in place. Make sure they're on good and tight.

With a quick stop to the auto parts store, some basic tools and safety precautions, you can avoid a pricey trip to your mechanic.

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How to change your car battery - AmericaNowNews.com

How to change your car battery

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