Changing a car battery yourself will save money and is something that almost anyone can learn do. It involves just a little know-how and some basic tools.
Significance
Changing a car battery can replace a dead battery, or upgrade your car from a cheaper battery to one that has more cold cranking amps, or reserve power. It gives you a few options as to which type of battery your car runs off, how easily your car starts, and how long it can run your electrical systems without using the alternator.
Effects
Changing your car battery will give you a faster, cleaner start when you turn the key, because the starter has more power to run. It will also reduce the amount of jump-starts you have to perform, because your new battery will not die as often and should hold a longer charge. When you change the car battery, you can actually improve the life of your starter systems and functionality because the components will perform as they were designed.
Expert Insight
Changing a car battery to a higher-cranking, better battery is one way to immediately improve your car. A battery that has more cold-cranking amps provides more power at start-up and could keep your struggling ignition system from wearing out prematurely. In addition, if you plan on running your car's electrical systems for a long period, without the alternator (playing your stereo at the beach, or night fishing with your headlights on), a new battery with higher RC or reserve power is a necessity.
Warning
When changing a car battery for the first time, be sure the car is off and there is no power running through the battery. Disconnect the ground or negative (-) cable terminal first. It is black. Then disconnect the red cable. You should also remove any acid buildup around the connectors with a wire brush, and be careful not to get any on your hands. Also, dispose of the battery in the proper way. Take it to an automotive parts center, and do not throw it in the trash. The acid and lead in the battery are both hazardous materials.
Considerations
When changing your car battery, you should buy the proper battery designed for your make and model. You can find this out at an auto parts dealer or in your car's manual. Then determine the power rating that you want in your battery. For colder climates, a high CCA (cold-cranking amp) is a necessity. You should also decide whether you want to recycle your old battery or store it. If you store it, be sure to fully charge it and clean it thoroughly. Then place it out of reach of children and away from other hazardous materials or fire.
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