How to Install a Car Battery

La Crosse, WI and Rochester, MN drivers will need quite a few tools and keep some key points in mind when looking to install their next car battery. The good news is that learning how to install a car battery is quick and easy, and our service center can even do this service for you! If you’re looking to replace your car battery yourself, you’ll need these tools:

• Wrenches
• Battery cleaning solution
• New battery
• Wire brush
• Pliers
• Anti-corrosion spray
• Wear thick rubber gloves (for protecting your hands) 

We always recommend checking your specific user manual to learn if your specific make and model requires anything extra or requires service at a dedicated dealership or service center.

Car Battery Installation: Step-by-Step Guide 

Once you have all of the tools that you need to install your new car battery, you’re ready to go:

1. Use a wrench to loosen the nut that secures the black cable (negative cable) to the battery. You can find wrenches or pliers that are specifically designed for car batteries.
2. After the nut has been loosened, you can twist and pull the cable off. If the nut is stuck, don’t use a screwdriver or another tool on it; try to loosen it more with the wrench until it gives. If you still can’t get it, try some penetrating oil. 
3. Follow the same steps to remove the red battery cable from the positive terminal. 
4. Loosen then remove the battery hold-down clamp, which keeps the battery from shifting around under the hood. 
5. Now, the battery is ready to be taken out. Remove it carefully using both hands. Keep in mind that the battery is heavy. 
6. Use a baking soda and water mixture or a battery cleaning product to remove corrosion that may have built up in the battery tray or the hold-down clamp. 
7. Use a wire brush and cleaning solution to clean off the battery cable connectors. 
8. Place the brand-new battery in the battery tray, then secure it by tightening the hold-down clamp.
9. Spray anti-corrosion solution on the new battery’s positive and negative terminals before connecting. Doing this can help protect the battery and lengthen its life. 
10. Attach the battery cables to the battery terminals. First, connect the red cable, then connect the black cable.
11. Make sure the connections are secure, then try to move the battery. If it doesn’t move at all, it’s good to go! 
12. Start the engine. If the battery has been properly connected, the engine should start right up with no issues. 

Be extremely careful when moving a car battery, especially older car batteries. You want to avoid spilling battery acid. Battery acid is highly corrosive and can cause chemical burns.

Choose Dahl Chevrolet Winona for Battery Replacement

Looking for car battery installation near you? Our dedicated service center can take care of all of your maintenance and repair needs. We offer a variety of rotating service offers, and we can even help you order parts for your vehicle online. Contact us today for quick and easy service on your vehicle so that you can be back on Winona roads in no time!