How to Remove a Car Battery

Your car battery plays a vital role on your drives around Austin. It starts the vehicle, keeps it running, and provides power to all of the electrical components. Still, you might need to remove it to replace the battery if it runs down or occasionally inspect it for any signs of damage. You can generally do it yourself, but you must do it right so you don’t hurt yourself. Keep reading to learn how to remove a car battery safely and if you have questions, contact us at Nyle Maxwell Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.

Preparation for Removing a Car Battery

Most car batteries hold enough charge to deliver a lethal shock, so you should wear insulated work gloves, along with safety goggles to protect your eyes from corrosive chemicals. Before you start, turn your car off, because running vehicles can produce a spark and possibly ignite flammable compounds.

These are some other things you should do to keep yourself safe:

• Find some zip ties or other types of restraints to keep the battery cables in their proper place. If the cables touch, it could create sparks and become a fire hazard, so always keep them from touching.
• Once removed, cover up the positive cable end with a cloth to avoid the risk of metal-to-metal contact.
• Take off any jewelry you’re wearing around Round Rock to prevent getting a shock if the jewelry comes in contact with the battery.
• Be sure you’re in a well-ventilated area to prevent any potentially harmful exposure to released gases.

If your battery terminal is fused, there’s a specific battery cable removal tool you can use to loosen it. Call the parts center at Nyle Maxwell Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to purchase the device.

Removing the Car Battery

Follow these steps to stay safe when removing a car battery around Round Rock:

• Locate the negative terminal. It typically has a black plastic cover or a minus sign and will be either on the post or somewhere near it.
• Take hold of the bolt head of the negative terminal with a wrench or pliers and hold it still.
• Use other pliers or a wrench to remove the nut. Then, pull off the negative cable and secure it away from the battery.
• Repeat the above step for the positive cable, taking care that the two battery cables do not touch.
• If a securing bracket holds the battery, use your pliers or wrench to remove the screws and bolts that hold it in place.
• Carefully lift the battery straight out of the bracket, keeping in mind that it could weigh as much as 40 pounds.

How Many Volts Is a Car Battery?

Usually, a fully charged car battery should measure about 12.6 volts or higher with the engine off. When your engine is running, it may be up to 13.7 to 14.7 volts.

It’s essential to have your battery and electrical system tested a couple of times a year when you bring your vehicle in for service. Follow these steps for an at-home version:

• Start your vehicle and turn on your headlights.
• If your lights look a bit dim, they may be running off of your battery
• If the lights get brighter whenever you rev the engine, the alternator probably produces some current but not enough when idle to keep the battery ultimately charged.
• If your headlights display an average brightness level, even when revving the engine, your battery is probably working normally.

Be sure to ask the service center at Nyle Maxwell Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram near Cedar Park for a battery check the next time you bring your car in for routine maintenance!

Nyle Maxwell Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Is Always at Your Service

Now that you know how to remove a car battery, contact us if you need auto service. From battery care to new tires and oil changes, we’re here for you. You can quickly make a service appointment online. Let us know how we can help.