How to Remove a Car Battery

Your vehicle’s battery is critical as it starts the automobile, keeps it running on Birmingham roads, and helps power all of the electrical components. However, it may need to be removed from time to time to be replaced when the charge runs out or to be checked for signs of damage. Removing a car battery is a simple task that can be taken care of right at home in Gardendale, but you need to know how to do it properly to avoid hurting yourself. Read this guide by the service experts at Edwards Chevrolet Co., Inc. to learn how to remove a car battery safely. 

Removing a Car Battery: Preparation

Because batteries carry a charge strong enough to deliver a deadly shock, you’ll want to make sure that you’re wearing insulated work gloves. You should also wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from corrosive agents. Before you start, be sure to turn off the car–running vehicles can produce a spark and ignite flammable agents. 

Here are some additional precautionary measures that you should take: 

• Use zip ties or another type of restraint to keep the battery cables in their proper place. If the cables touch, it will create sparks and become a fire hazard. 
• Cover the end of the positive cable with a cloth once it’s been removed to prevent metal-to-metal contact.
• Remove all jewelry — including necklaces, watches, and bracelets — to prevent getting shocked if they come in contact with the battery. 
• Make sure that you’re in a well-ventilated area to prevent exposure to harmful gases.

If you find that the terminal is fused, there’s a specific battery cable removal tool that you can use to loosen it. You can find these at Edwards Chevrolet Co., Inc.’s parts center.

Removing a Car Battery: Step-by-Step Process

Once you’re prepared, follow the steps below to safely remove your battery: 

• Locate the negative terminal. It should have a black plastic cover or a minus sign and will be located either on the post or nearby.
• Take hold of the bolt head of the negative terminal with a wrench or pliers and hold it still.
• Use another set of 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, while still making sure that the two battery cables do not touch.
• If the battery is held by a securing bracket, use your pliers or wrench to remove the screws and bolts that hold it in place.
• Lift the battery straight out of the bracket. Keep in mind that it may weigh up to 40 pounds. 

How Many Volts is a Car Battery?

Hoover drivers who are either testing or removing their car battery may want to know about how many volts it has. Typically, a fully charged car battery will measure at 12.6 volts or higher. When the engine is running, this number will increase to 13.7 to 14.7 volts.

If you want to test your car battery at home in Bessemer, follow these steps:

• Start your car and turn on your headlights
• If the lights are dim, they may be running on your battery
• If the lights get brighter when you rev the engine, the alternator may be producing some current, but not enough when idle to keep the battery charged
• If the lights have a normal level of brightness, even when you rev the engine, your battery is likely working normally

It’s important to get your battery and electrical system tested a few times a year. The service technicians at Edwards Chevrolet Co., Inc. can take care of it in no time; all you have to do is schedule service online. 

Learn More About Car Battery Removal With Edwards Chevrolet Co., Inc.

If you’d like more information on how to remove a car battery, or want to know how to avoid breakdowns on Birmingham streets, contact us at 205-737-0065 with all of your questions! We’ll make sure that your vehicle receives excellent battery service, and we also offer service specials to ensure that your car maintenance remains budget-friendly.