Change a Vehicle Battery — Step-by-Step Safety first: wear gloves and eye protection. Work in a well-ventilated area away from sparks or open flames. Have your vehicle manual handy. Tools & items needed - New battery (correct size and spec for your vehicle) - Wrench or socket set (usually 10mm or 13mm) - Battery cleaning brush / wire brush - Baking soda + water (for corrosion) and rag - Gloves & eye protection - Multimeter (optional) - Memory saver or note radio presets (optional) 1) Prepare & safety - Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and turn the ignition off. - Remove keys and any metal jewelry. - Open the bonnet and locate the battery. If fitted in the trunk or under a seat, consult manual. 2) Locate battery & note orientation - Note which terminal is positive (+, usually red) and negative (−, usually black). - If terminals or posts are corroded, you can clean later — don’t mix cleaning and connection steps. 3) Disconnect cables — negative first - Always disconnect the negative (−) terminal first to reduce short risk. Loosen the clamp nut and gently lift the cable off. - Then disconnect the positive (+) terminal. Move cables clear so they don’t accidentally touch the battery posts. 4) Remove hold-down and lift out battery - Remove any hold-down bracket or strap securing the battery. Keep nuts/bolts in a safe place. - Batteries can be heavy (~12–25 kg). Lift straight up (use both hands) and place on a stable surface. 5) Install new battery — positive first - Compare new battery to old for size and terminal placement. Clean cable clamps and battery tray if corroded. - Place new battery in tray with same orientation. Secure hold-down bracket snugly (don’t overtighten). - Connect positive (+) terminal first, then negative (−). Ensure clamps are tight and seated fully. 6) Tighten, test & reset systems - Tighten clamps and any hold-down hardware. Recheck connections. - Test voltage with a multimeter (should read ~12.6V at rest for a healthy battery). Start the car — it should crank normally. - Reset clock, radio presets, and any electronic memory if required. Inspect for leaks or excessive corrosion.

Welcome to Automotive Advice — your go-to hub for reliable, expert guidance on all things automotive. Whether you’re tackling your own repairs, maintaining your vehicle, or diving into the world of aftermarket performance, this community is here to help. We provide: - Vehicle repair and maintenance adviceFrom basic servicing to diagnosing tricky issues, get clear, practical guidance you can trust. - Auto electrical supportUnderstand wiring systems, identify electrical faults, and keep your vehicle’s electronics running smoothly. - Diagnostics helpPost your symptoms, scan data, fault codes, or strange noises — get assistance with interpreting diagnostics and pinpointing the real cause of a problem. - Tips, tricks & best practicesSmart shortcuts, trusted tools, and proven techniques to make your work easier and more efficient. - Aftermarket ECU and wiring adviceInsights on custom wiring, ECU installation, configuration, and building reliable performance setups. - Open Q&AAsk any automotive question — from general knowledge to specific issues — and get straightforward, no-nonsense answers. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, weekend tinkerer, or experienced builder, this is the place to learn, share, and improve your automotive skills. Jump in, ask questions, and level up your knowledge. Let’s build better cars — the right way. 🚗🔧