What are the steps to replace a car battery?

[LeIsabella]

The steps to replace a car battery are as follows: 1. Ensure the car is turned off and all electrical devices are switched off; 2. First disconnect the negative terminal of the battery, then the positive terminal, remove the battery securing components, and take out the old battery; 3. Clean the connection points between the battery terminals and the battery cables, install the new battery, secure the battery with the fixing components, tighten the positive terminal connection, and then the negative terminal connection. A car battery, also known as a storage battery, is a type of battery that works by converting chemical energy into electrical energy. The commonly referred to car battery is a lead-acid battery, which is mainly made of lead and its oxides, with sulfuric acid solution as the electrolyte.

[SanAdaline]

When I used to replace the car battery myself, I always followed basic safety procedures. First, park the car on level ground, turn off the engine, and wear insulated gloves and goggles to prevent electric shock. The first step is to loosen and remove the negative terminal of the battery with a wrench—this is crucial because starting with the positive terminal could cause a dangerous short-circuit spark. Then, loosen the positive terminal and remove the battery bracket. Carefully take out the old battery and place the new one in, making sure not to tilt it to avoid acid leakage and staining your hands. After securing the new battery, connect the positive terminal first and tighten it, followed by the negative terminal. Finally, start the engine to test and ensure everything is working properly. Remember not to turn on any other electrical devices during the replacement, as this could blow a fuse. With careful attention, the whole process takes just about 10 minutes, and even beginners can easily learn it.

[SerenityAnn]

Every time I replace the battery, I prepare tools in advance, such as a 10mm wrench, battery brush, and anti-corrosion spray. First, turn off all power sources, including removing the key, to prevent system reset and loss of settings. Then disconnect the negative terminal, remove the old battery, and clean the dust from the slot before installing the new battery securely. Connect the terminals starting with the positive one, and apply some anti-corrosion spray to prevent rust. Finally, test the voltage with a multimeter to ensure it's above 12V for normal startup. Experience tells me that in winter, battery replacement should be quick because cold temperatures make hands slippery; in summer, avoid direct sunlight to prevent the plastic casing from deforming. When choosing a brand, I prefer mainstream ones like Varta, ensuring the capacity matches the car's original specifications. Regular checks for loose terminals can extend the battery's lifespan, and generally, a replacement every 3 years is sufficient.

[VonIsabela]

When replacing a battery, I prioritize risk assessment. After turning off the vehicle, I wear full protective gear including insulated gloves to ensure the battery shows no signs of corrosion or leakage. Disconnecting the negative terminal first prevents short-circuit injuries, followed by the positive terminal. When removing the old unit and installing the new one, handle gently without shaking to avoid acid splashes that could harm the skin. After installing the new battery, reverse the connection order: positive terminal first, then negative, tightening screws securely to prevent leakage. Test start the engine to confirm smooth operation. Safety first—avoid operating in rainy or humid conditions, and stop immediately if unusual odors or overheating occur.