Free guides / Automotive
How to Replace a Car Battery
If your car clicks or cranks slowly, especially on cold mornings, and the battery is 3–5 years old, it's probably time for a new one.
Safety first
- Disconnect the negative (–) terminal first and reconnect it last.
- Batteries contain acid and can vent hydrogen; no sparks or flames nearby.
Tools
- Wrench or socket set (often 10 mm)
- Battery terminal brush
- Gloves and safety glasses
Parts
- Battery with the same group size, terminal layout and equal or higher CCA as your owner's manual lists
Step by step
Get the right battery
Look up the group size for your year, make, model and engine, or read it off the old battery label.
Disconnect
With the engine off, loosen and remove the negative cable first, then the positive.
Remove the hold-down
Unbolt the bracket or strap and lift the battery straight out. It's heavy, so lift with your legs.
Clean the terminals
Scrub the cable clamps with a terminal brush until they're shiny.
Install the new battery
Set it in the same orientation, secure the hold-down, connect positive first, then negative.
Start and recycle
Start the car, reset the clock or radio if needed, and return the old battery for the core charge.
When to call a pro
Have a shop test the charging system if the new battery goes flat again within weeks.
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