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battery can last four to five years with proper
care, although battery failure can occur in as
little as three years in very cold or hot climates.
How to Change Your Battery
What you will need:
- An adjustable wrench or a socket wrench
- New battery
- Wire brush or battery terminal cleaner
- Clean water
- Safety glasses
- Rubber gloves (Optional)
- Can of Rust-O-Lieum primer
- White Lithium Grease
Why replace your battery?
A good battery is essential to the proper operation
of your vehicle. A good battery can last for about
five years with the proper care. Battery failure
can occur in as little as three years in very
hot or cold climates since these conditions take
a heavy toll on your vehicles battery. Some cause
of premature battery failure are overcharging,
undercharging, abuse, or vibration. Modern vehicle
computer systems create a small but constant drain
on batteries, even when the vehicle is parked,
long sitting periods can cause a vehicle's battery
to go dead and need a charge.
At some point, your battery will need to be replaced
This is usually a simple task, but sometimes
they can be difficult do to severe corrosion.
If your battery looks like it's going to be very
difficult, take it to a professional and have
them replace it.
Get the correct battery for your car. Check with
your local auto parts store for the correct type
and size. It is a good idea to bring your old
battery in to be sure you get the correct replacement,
and you can leave it there to be recycled. Make
sure your new battery is fully charged.
It's always a good idea to wear safety glasses
when changing your battery. I wear a pair of latex
examination gloves, exactly like your Doctor uses,
to help keep my hands clean and protect them from
battery acid. You can buy them at the auto parts
store.
WORK IN A WELL-VENTILATED AREA AWAY FROM
SPARKS OR OPEN FLAMES. DO NOT SMOKE.
- Disconnect the negative cable first and then
disconnect the positive cable.
- Remove the battery hold down. It may be along
the top of the battery or on the battery tray
clamped to the side of the battery.
- Once it is free, carefully lift it up and
out of the tray.
BATTERY'S CONTAIN SULFURIC ACID AND IT
CAN BURN YOUR SKIN. IT IS VERY CORROSIVE TO ANYTHING
IT COMES IN CONTACT WITH.
- Look at the battery tray. If there are signs
of rust and corrosion, clean it off with plenty
of clear water. Allow the tray to dry and spray
it with the primer to prevent further deterioration.
- Place the new battery in the tray and reinstall
the hold down clamp.
- If you have a top terminal battery, clean
the inside of the cables with a battery brush
and wire brush the battery posts. If you have
a side terminal battery, clean the terminals
with the wire brush.
- Check and make sure there is no corrosion
on the battery cables. Clean them as required.
- Reattach the positive battery cable first
and then the negative battery cable. Tighten
the tight but on side terminal batteries do
not over tighten. You can pull the side post
out of the battery if you over tighten them.
- Give the terminals a good coating of White
Lithium Grease to keep them from getting corroded.
- Start the engine and you're done.
This is a quick and easy job that should take
30 to 45 minutes.
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