How to Replace a Car Battery
There’s nothing more inconvenient - or frustrating - than a dead battery. Changing your car battery on schedule or at the first sign of trouble is a great way to prevent battery failure and ruined plans. Luckily, most drivers can replace a car battery, avoiding expensive roadside repairs. Learn more about how to replace a car battery, how long it typically lasts, and how to choose the right car battery.
Replacing a Car Battery, Step-by-Step
Most drivers can change out a car battery in under an hour. However, the time requirement depends on your experience level and how accessible the battery is within the engine compartment.
Park the car on flat ground in a safe area—the garage or a flat driveway are best! Make sure the engine is cool before attempting to replace the battery.
Open the hood and find the battery. Look for battery terminals connected to a positive and negative post on top of the battery itself.
Remove the negative terminal first with a socket wrench. Then remove the positive terminal.
Some vehicles have a clamp to hold the battery in place. Use your socket wrench to undo the clamp so the battery is free.
Carefully lift the battery out of the engine compartment and look for any loose pieces or nuts that may come loose from the terminals. Then, set the dead battery aside.
Remove any covers from the new battery. Most new car batteries will have plastic covers on the posts.
Add anticorrosion washers on both posts; most new batteries will come with anti-corrosion washers, plus a grease or spray to apply to the posts.
Place the new battery in the engine compartment; remember to put the posts in the same direction so the terminals will reach.
Reattach any battery clamps to keep it in place.
Reinstall the terminal clamps, reversing how you removed them from the old battery.
Start the car to make sure it works!
How Long Do Car Batteries Last?
Most car batteries last three to five years, but several factors impact longevity.
Driving habits - Frequent, short trips (think 10 minutes or less) prevent the battery from recharging, shortening its lifespan.
Temperature - Extreme heat and cold negatively impact performance and lifespan.
Demand - More modern vehicles with more electronics may require battery replacement sooner than older models.
Read more: How to Jump a Car with Jumper Cables
Common Signs of a Failing Car Battery
There are several signs that it’s time to replace your car battery and avoid any unexpected issues.
Slow to start - If the engine takes longer, the battery may be to blame.
Dim lights - Visibility dimmer headlights and, in some cases, interior lights usually signal a weak battery.
Dashboard sign - Modern vehicles often have a battery indicator on the dash to let you know your battery needs attention or replacement.
We check batteries as a part of our oil change services to help drivers keep tabs on their car batteries. We often recommend replacing your battery if you experience these issues or your car battery is over five years old.
How Much Do Car Batteries Cost?
Car batteries cost between $100 and $350, depending on the type of battery you need for your vehicle. Most cars and trucks use a standard flooded-acid battery, which runs between $100 and $170. Premium AGC batteries are more expensive and can cost up to $350. The size of the battery, the manufacturer, and the cost of installation all impact the final battery cost, but most places, including us, will install your battery for free!
Are There Different Size Car Batteries?
Yes! Car batteries aren’t one-size-fits-all, and larger engines (and vehicles) require more powerful batteries. They are categorized into Battery Group sizes:
Group Size Commonly Seen In
24/24F (Top Terminal) - Acura, Honda, Infiniti, Lexus, Nissan, Toyota
35 (Top Terminal) - Honda, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota
65 (Top Terminal) - Ford, Lincoln, Mercury
48 (Top Terminal) - Acura, BMW, Cadillac, Chevy, Ford
75 (Side Terminal) - Chrysler, Dodge, GM
34/78 (Dual Terminal) - Chrysler, Dodge, GM
Always check your owner’s manual to find the right size battery for your car or truck.
Car Battery Replacement in Traverse City Made Easy
If you’re tight on time or don’t feel comfortable installing a car battery yourself, we’re here to help. For fast car battery replacement as a part of your regularly scheduled oil change or tune-up, count on Garfield Auto for professional, friendly service with a smile. Schedule your appointment with us today!