How to Remove a Car Battery

Your car’s battery is an essential part of getting around New Haven smoothly. It’s used to start the car, keep it running, and power your internal systems, so it’s important to stay on top of your battery care. When the charge runs down or dies completely, you may need to know how to remove a car battery so your car will be in working order again. While this is a simple task overall, there should be some safety precautions applied to prevent you from hurting yourself. Follow along with Acura of Milford for tips on removing a car battery safely. 

Preparing to Remove a Car Battery

If you’re thinking about removing a car battery, you should take the proper precautions. Because batteries hold a high enough charge to deliver a deadly shock, a pair of insulated work gloves should be used for handling the battery. The further protection of safety goggles will protect you from corrosive agents, and you should ensure the vehicle is off before working to prevent spark to flammable agents. Other precautions include:

• Use zip ties or other restraints to keep the battery cables in place. If opposite cables touch, it can create sparks and become a fire hazard.
• To prevent metal-to-metal contact, the positive cable can be covered with a cloth for extra protection.
• Removing jewelry like necklaces, watches, and bracelets before performing work help prevent other metals coming in contact with the battery and delivering a shock. 
• Perform a battery removal in a well ventilated area at home or around Fairfield to avoid exposure to harmful gases. 

In the event of a fused terminal, a special battery cable removal tool can be used to loosen it. Contact the parts department at Acura of Milford for all battery removal supplies. 

Removing a Car Battery

Once the proper safety steps are taken, following the steps for how to remove a car battery can safely be performed:

• Locate the negative terminal, which is covered in black plastic with a minus sign on or around the battery post.
• Using a wrench or pliers, grab hold of the bolt head of the negative terminal and continue holding it still.
• With another set of pliers or wrench, remove the nut, then pull off the negative cable and secure it away from the battery with zip ties or other restraints. 
• Repeat the last step on the positive cable. Ensure the cables do not touch and are safely secured. 
• If there are any other securing brackets holding the battery in place, use the pliers or wrench to remove the screws and bolts securing it in place. 
• Lift the battery straight out to prevent jostling any of the components. Remember that the battery may weigh up to 40 pounds. 

Testing a Car Battery

When you’re testing a battery or shopping for a new car battery, you may be wondering, “how many volts is a car battery?” The typical voltage for a fully charged car battery is 12.6 volts or higher, however, while the engine is running, this number can bump up to 13.7 to 14.7 volts.

Performing a car battery test at home can help you keep up with your battery maintenance and help identify potential problems. Routinely bring your Acura in for battery care and other services, but follow these steps to test a battery at home:

• Start your car and turn on your headlights.
• Dim lights are a sign that the battery is running on a low charge.
• When the lights get brighter as the engine is revved, the alternator can still be producing current, but not enough to keep the battery charged when idle. 
• If the lights retain a normal level of brightness, even as the engine is revved, that means the battery is probably working properly. 

Find Quality Car Care With Acura of Milford! 

If you have questions about how to remove a car battery or any other car care tips, contact us at Acura of Milford near Bridgeport. Our team of expert technicians use genuine OEM parts to ensure you’re getting back on the road safely. Be sure to take a look at our current service specials so you can save on your quality care.