No matter the means of propulsion they used over the decades, cars have always needed batteries to run. That's because aside from the powertrain that ensures forward motion, a lot of a car's other systems, from headlights to infotainment, need their own source of power to run. One of the most important tasks of a battery is to ensure that the engine in an internal combustion (ICE) car starts.
Because of their crude nature, the early cars did not use batteries. A magneto was used instead to supply power for engine start, usually performed by means of a crank, while the headlights and all the other additional systems were powered by gas.
It wasn't until the 1920s that car batteries started being used on a large scale, and they have been crucial components on ICE cars, and they are also used on electric vehicles. They are generally 12-volt devices of various capacities that have been designed to provide peak power for brief periods of time.
There are several kinds of batteries currently in use, but the most common are the lead acid ones. These date back to the end of the 19th century and it operates on the basis of a lead or lead oxide reaction taking place inside a liquid electrolyte, most commonly a mixture of sulfuric acid and water.
Like all other things in life, car batteries do not last forever. Unlike the batteries that power electric vehicles, which can be recharged on a regular basis, these things are easier to replace – although, in extreme cases, they can be given an extra kick by means of a charger, or even with juice coming from another car's battery.
Changing a car battery does not usually require a visit to a dealer or mechanic, as it can usually be performed by anyone. The trick is knowing how to do this, and that’s the purpose of this here auto guide.
Not long ago removing the battery to recharge it (as stated above, such a thing is possible) or to replace it was something pretty much all drivers knew how to do. Things changed, however, over the past few years, and in our day and time most drivers have never tinkered with such a thing – it is easier, and faster, to simply make a trip to a specialized workshop.
Photo: Mercedes-Benz
Yet there may come a time when you'll need to do that yourself, and if the only remotely mechanical experience you have with tinkering with a vehicle is limited to refilling the windshield liquid container, such an affair could seem like a daunting task, sending shivers down your spine. As you'll see in the lines below, though, changing a car's battery is a pretty simple task, if you abide by the rules.
Locate the battery - In the majority of cases the battery is installed under the hood of the car. What differs is its position. Some are installed on the right side of the car, others on the left. Some may be exposed and easy to spot, while others may be shielded by covers meant to make the engine bay look all pretty and nice. If you are unsure of where the battery of your car is, make sure you check the owner's manual.
As a visual hint, keep in mind that the battery is one of the largest single pieces of hardware installed under the hood. It is generally a fairly big contraption that has two metallic connectors ot top. Voltage and capacity is usually displayed on its side.
Get the right tools - Although removing a car battery is not rocket science, it does require a specialized tool, more specifically, a wrench and socket. That's because the vehicle is connected to the positive and negative plates of the battery with wiring, and that is firmly secured so as to not cause problems due to accidental detaching.
Prepwork - The battery should not be disconnected from the car in any and all conditions. First, make sure the car is turned off when you start working the battery. That's because doing so might fry crucial electrical components of the car.
Then, check to see if there is any spillage from the battery. Keep in mind that such a device has anywhere between 30 and 50 percent sulfuric acid in water, and we all know how nasty that thing is. If you notice any severe leakage and corrosion signs, it would be wise to turn to a professional to get the job done. Wearing goggles and a pair of rubber gloves is not mandatory, but it is recommended.
Photo: Mercedes-Benz
Removing the battery - As stated above, a car battery is connected by means of two cables, one going to the positive and the other to the negative plate. It is very important to always disconnect the negative cable first. This removes the system's grounding and eliminates any chance for the positive terminal to throw a spark or worse, short-circuiting the battery. You can simply recognize the negative cable because this one always comes in black.
Once you've removed the negative cable, proceed to the positive one. This one is red, but if you want to make sure you're doing things right, you can always check the battery markings – the negative is marked with the "-” sign, while the positive one has a "+” next to it.
Now that the battery is disconnected from the car, you can lift it out of its place. You should brace yourself, as these things are usually quite heavy (between 25 and 50 pounds, or 11 to 23 kg).
All of the above was done with the goal of replacing the battery. That means a new one needs to be installed, and it's up to you to do that as well. To do that, you'll have to retrace your steps, naturally in reverse order: place the battery in position, connect the positive cable first, and then the negative one.
As far as the old battery goes, there is no need for you to hold on to it, and it's also not a good idea to simply throw it away in the wild. These things are quite harmful to the environment and dangerous to living creatures, so the best way to go about this is to take it to a recycling center.
Now all you have to do is start the engine just to make sure everything is OK.
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