How To Remove A Car Battery

Your vehicle plays a vital role in your performance and comfort around Ames. It provides electrical energy to ignite the spark plugs and start the vehicle. The battery also powers essential systems that keep you comfortable like your radio, the windows, door locks, and more.

It’s recommended that you replace your car battery every four to five years. When you’re removing a car battery yourself, it’s important that you replace it correctly. Learn how to remove a car battery with our guide below. Don’t hesitate to contact our auto repair shops if you need car maintenance in Knoxville, TN.

Safety Tips for Removing a Car Battery

A dead battery can throw a wrench in your plans around Indianola. While the voltage levels of most batteries allow you to be okay after touching the battery terminals, it’s important to remember they hold enough amperage to electrocute someone. You should never touch a car battery without insulated work gloves on. It’s also recommended that you wear safety goggles to protect against corrosive agents from the battery. Always make sure your vehicle is off before attempting to remove the car battery to reduce the risk of an explosion.

To ensure your safety when servicing your battery, keep these other tips in mind:

• To prevent the battery cables from touching, you can use zip ties to secure the cables in place. If the opposite cable ends touch, they can create sparks and risk an explosion.
• You can cover the positive battery cable with a cloth to prevent it from contact with other metal surfaces.
• Be sure you take off any dangling jewelry like necklaces, watches, and bracelets.
• Remove the car battery in a well-ventilated area. The dangerous and flammable liquid components in the battery can release harmful gas or vapor.

How to Remove a Car Battery Step-By-Step

You’ll need a screwdriver, wrench, or socket to help remove screws and bolts. Removing a car battery is relatively easy once you’re prepared. Follow these steps:

1. Locate the negative battery terminal with the black cover and/ or minus sign.
2. With a wrench or socket, hold the bolt head on the negative terminal steady.
3. Use another wrench to remove the nut.
4. Pull off the negative cable and secure it away from the battery.
5. Repeat the previous steps to remove the positive battery cable, ensuring that both battery cables do not touch.
6. Your battery may also be held by a securing bracket. A screwdriver, wrench, or socket can be used to take out the screws and bolts holding it in place.
7. Securely grip the battery and lift it starting out of the housing. Remember, it may be heavy.

If you need help finding the right battery for your vehicle, or you need the right tools, our Des Moines-area part centers can find exactly what you need to get the job done right.

Average Car Battery Voltage

Typically, a fully charged battery measures 12.6 volts or higher. While your vehicle is running during errands around Des Moines, that battery charge jumps up to 13.7 to 14.7 volts.

Before removing a car battery, it may be helpful to test the battery’s charge to see if it needs to be replaced. Try this test:

• Start your car and turn on your headlight to observe their performance.
• When the lights dim, that’s a sign that there’s an issue with your battery.
• If the lights get brighter as you rev the engine, it may be that the alternator is not producing enough current to keep the battery charged when idle.
• When your battery brightness remains normal once turned on or with a revved engine, your battery is functioning as it should.

Learn Service Tips with DeYarman Automotive Group!

Now that you know how to safely remove a car battery, learn more car care tips at DeYarman Automotive Group. Take a look at our service and parts tips to keep your vehicle running smoothly around Indianola. When you’re searching for an auto repair shop in Knoxville, trust your service to our trained technicians at our DeYarman Automotive Group service centers.