How to Install a Car Battery

We know that when your vehicle’s car battery needs to be replaced, it doesn’t always happen at the most ideal place and time. So if you want to install a new car battery yourself instead of taking it into our John Holt Auto Group, Inc. service center, you’ll want to start with collecting these tools:

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

Read on to learn more about car battery installation basics from our professionals at the service center! If you aren’t sure about doing the installation yourself, check out our service center specials and we’ll be more than happy to schedule a service appointment for you next time you’re around Amber. 

Car Battery Installation: Step-by-Step Guide 

Start by parking the car. Activate the parking brake and make sure the engine is turned off. Pop the hood and find the battery. Then:

1. Using a wrench, 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. Then, 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. 

Important note: When moving the battery, be extremely careful to avoid spilling battery acid. Battery acid is highly corrosive and can cause chemical burns. 

Visit John Holt Auto Group, Inc. for Battery Replacement

While we know a lot of our Norman and Chickasha customers prefer to complete DIY repairs, but if you aren’t sure how to do it, then our knowledgeable technicians are more than happy to help you install a new battery so you can get back out on the Chickasha. And be sure to check out our service and parts tips for more help!