There may be some telltale sign like dimmer headlights or it’s been between three to seven years since you’ve had a new battery, signifies that your car battery is going to die or won't last longer and calls for a replacement with new battery.

Rather than going to mechanic, swapping for a new battery on your own is much easier in any models of cars and vans without requiring too many tools.

Find out the exact issue

Prior to battery change you must first make sure whether your battery actually does need to be replaced or not.

A white or blue sulfate build-up around the terminal indicates a bad seal around the battery terminal and acid is leaking out onto them. Cleaning this up sometimes help but most of the time requires replacement. Don't clean it with bare hands.

Drive the car constantly for 30 mins to to recharge the battery. You will want to minimize the use of electrical components including the AC to ensure that power isn’t used in other areas aside from charging the battery.

Check the alternator, some vehicles have a battery meter, while the engine is running the alternator will hold a charge between volts if the charging system is functioning properly. With the battery off it should have a volt reading.

Quick & easy steps to replace the battery

Once you’ve verified that the battery does need to be replaced, these are the steps you should take to replace the battery quick and easy.

Buy the proper replacement

It's necessary to buy the correct battery that fit in your vehicle and provide the proper power capacity that your car needs. In case you are confused bring the car’s make and model along with the dimensions of the current battery to the store.

Use a memory keeper to preserve codes

A simple CMOS will keep the PIN codes and settings saved for your radios and navigation systems from getting erased when you disconnect the battery.

If you don’t have a memory keeper then make sure that you have the PINS for your electronic equipment before you start or consult your manual before starting to see which devices will be affected.

Replacing

After the proper steps taken prior to replacing the battery, it is quite easy and quick process to replace the old one and install the new battery.

Be sure to know the exact location of your battery, then open the hood and prop it up.

Find and remove the old battery.

Find the battery terminals (positive and negative) and first disconnect the negative terminal and then the positive one as well.

Remove the battery by unfastening the battery holder and removing any screws or clamps holding the battery in place. Lift the battery out using extreme caution as they can be anywhere from 30-60lbs.

Put the new battery in and clean the terminal clamps with baking soda and a wire brush. On spotting extreme corrosion, take it to a professional mechanic for repair or replacement.

Once the terminals are connected correctly, connect all screws, clamps and bars that may hold the battery in place.

Apply battery lithium grease and spray the terminals with lithium grease, which will help to prevent corrosion buildup.

Don’t dispose the old battery in normal garbage

After installing a new battery, throwing away the old one in normal garbage is illegal and hence must be properly disposed off in service garages, auto supply stores and recycling businesses.

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