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.