Car batteries have a shelf life of at least 3-5 years. Even so, car batteries may slump and malfunction because of various factors. To avoid such mishaps, you must keep an eye on the battery’s health and replace it if need be.
Here’s a quick guide packed with telltale signs that will help you check and replace your car battery.
Check Your Car Battery to Detect Issues
- Fusty odour: Emission of sulfuric acid results in a stinky battery. Such a smell is indicative of the need for replacement of your car battery.
- Darker headlights: Darker headlight indicates low battery. If your car’s headlights appear darker than normal, it’s time to move on.
- Jump Starts: If this becomes a regular routine, it’s time to bid your old battery goodbye.
- Cold and slow: Slow starts on winter mornings are indicative of a weak battery. Cold weather and old batteries go opposite directions.
- Swollen Case: Swollen battery case is a huge hazard. It most likely indicates the rupture of cells that’s knocking on your door. An inflated battery case is a cry for help.
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A Step-By-Step Guide to Replace Your Car Battery
- Make sure the system is in cool condition before operating the same.
- Open your car’s hood or trunk- wherever the battery is. Spot the negative and the positive ends of the battery. Locate the minus(negative) and plus (positive) signs on the terminals.
- Now, find an adjustable wrench to unbolt the negative end first. Follow the same process with the positive terminal.
- Upon completion, unfasten the clamps on the battery.
- Once unfastened, detach the battery from its tray, wearing gloves and safety glasses. Handle with care. If your battery has a handle, hold it to pull the battery.
- Clean the terminals to avoid corrosive damage before installing the new battery.
- Before installing the new battery, apply anti-corrosive fluids on the terminals.
- Now, position the new battery on the tray. Match the negative and positive terminals with the battery. Tighten the ends.
- To finish off, fasten the clamps that you removed earlier.
- Now that it is all done, try starting your car. If it still exhibits glitches, visit an expert.
Precautions to be kept in mind while replacing car battery
- Don’t go anywhere near the battery without safety glasses and gloves.
- Jewlery is a no-go. Avoid any accessories when handling the battery.
- Avoid wearing inflammable fabrics like silk while replacing the battery.
- Turn the car off before opening the hood.
Let’s have a look at the different kinds of batteries that are available in the market. Each fits a specific model.
- AGM Batteries (Absorbed Glass Mat): Spill-resistant and faster performance.
- Lithium-Ion Batteries: Lighter and higher shelf life.
- Gel Cell Batteries: Well-suited for extreme climatic conditions but pricey.
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After the process is over, secure the old battery in a disposable bag and take it to the nearest auto-parts store. Find a store that accepts old batteries. If you can’t find one, take it to a recycling center. Make sure to get rid of the old battery as it is hazardous.
To be capable of changing batteries is quite a useful skill as it might save you from terrors, when on-the-go. Also, it helps your pocket big time. Although, on the flip side, a loose battery could put lives at stake. So, if you don’t feel like you’ve understood the process, take a step back. Let the skilled professionals do it for you.
