How to change your car battery
Your Charlotte Toyota car battery needs to get replaced every couple of years. This is one car maintenance part that you don’t want to miss. It’s literally the worst when you go on a big grocery haul and you go to start your ride up and it makes an unsettling cranking noise. You’ll need to have someone jump-start your car for you! However, knowing how to change your Charlotte Toyota car battery on your own can be a handy dandy trick to know!
What supplies will I need to change my car battery?
- Know your battery type.
Knowing what type of Charlotte Toyota car battery you need for your car will save you a lot of time and stress when the moment comes. If you’re ever unsure of what car battery to opt for, go ahead and call our Charlotte Toyota parts store and we’ll get you situated!
- Check your old battery for corrosion.
Be sure to check for corrosion on your Charlotte Toyota car battery before replacing it. Corrosion can make removing the cables difficult. If this is the case, go ahead and pour some Coca-Cola over the terminals or clean them with baking soda and a water paste. This will get them ready to go!
- Gather your supplies, ya’ll!
Get prepared ahead of time with all of the supplies you’ll need so you won’t have to drop what you’re doing to go grab a socket wrench from the garage. All you’ll need is a new battery, gloves, a socket wrench, and petroleum jelly!
By now you’re ready to begin replacing the old battery with the brand new one. However, if you’re ever confused about what to do next, go ahead and call our Charlotte Toyota parts store. We’re happy to help!
Step #1 Pop up your hood and make sure it’s held up with the rod. You don’t want it to slam down on your head!
Step #2 Determine the positive and negative posts and the cables that match them. The positive post should be red and have a plus sign.
Step #3 Take your socket wrench and loosen the nut or bolt that secures the negative terminal.
Step #4 Once it’s loosened up, use the terminal puller to remove the cable and terminal from the negative side. Repeat this with the positive side.
Step #5 Remove the clamp holding the battery in place and lift the Charlotte Toyota car battery out of the hood.
Step #6 Place the battery in so that the red, positive post will match up with the positive cable.
Step #7 Go ahead and secure your battery with the clamps, remove the plastic caps that cover the battery posts, and install the anti-corrosion washers!
Step #8 Apply a layer of grease to the battery posts and terminals before connecting it all. Always do the positive side first! Then, repeat for the negative post. Now you’re all set!
Visit Toyota of N Charlotte today!
If you need more help with your car battery, go ahead and book an appointment at (704) 659-2025!