Replacing your own car battery may look challenging, but it can also be fun. If this is the first time you are replacing your own car battery just know it can be done. Let’s get started. (get it… started?)

When you replace your car battery yourself, you will need some tools. Here are the tools that we suggest you have (at minimum).

• Socket Set (8mm, 10mm, and 13mm)

• Socket Extension (6in - 12in)

• Battery Terminal Brush (If corrosion is visible)

• Battery Terminal Cleaner (if corrosion is visible)

First, locate where your car battery is. Most cars have the battery under the hood, but some have the car battery in other places. If the car battery is not under the hood, the next place to check is the trunk. If it is not in the trunk, it can be under the driver/passenger seat.

With the engine off, open the hood and find the battery. The hood latch will be on the driver side of the dash. Detach the negative (black) battery cable from the battery. First, you will want to loosen the nut on the battery terminals. Most battery terminals use a number 10mm socket size. Some will use an 8mm or 13mm.

Twist and pull up on the end of the cable with your hand. If it does not come off quickly, you may want to purchase a battery terminal puller. Should you not have a battery puller, you may use an item that is plastic to pry the terminal up. Try pulling up and twisting the cable while prying all at the same time.

Detach the positive (the red cable) battery cable from the battery using the same method.

Using a wrench or a socket and ratchet, remove the battery hold-down clamp.

Remove the battery from the battery tray. Batteries can be heavy. Most batteries range from 20 pounds to 50 pounds. Use both hands and take your time. If the battery is located in a tight area, you may want to use a battery pickup device. These grab the edges of the battery and allow easy pick-up.

Clean the battery cable connectors with a wire brush. To remove heavy corrosion from the connectors, use battery-cleaning solution. If you do not have battery-cleaning solution use vinegar. Do not use coke (it makes a huge mess).

Place the new battery in the battery hold-down tray and secure the battery with the battery hold-down.

Spray both terminal ends with anti-corrosion solution. If you do not have some anti-corrosion you may add some petroleum jelly.

Attach and tighten the positive battery cable (The RED one).

Attach and tighten the negative battery cable (The Black one).

Ensure that all cable connections are tight. If the connections are not tight, your car may not start at all. The vibration of not being tightened down will also cause damage to the battery over time.