How to Install a Car Battery

Many Orfordville drivers have asked us how to install a car battery, how to test a car battery, and how often to replace it. Drive Burtness wants to help. Learn more here about how to install a car battery and contact Drive Burtness with any questions. There’s no need to scour the internet for “Car battery installation near me” when Drive Burtness is just a short drive from Whitewater.

Step-By-Step Instructions to Install a Car Battery

1. Turn off your engine and set your parking brake. Open your hood and find your battery. 
2. Loosen the nut that connects the black (negative) cable to your battery with a wrench or screwdriver.
3. Once the nut is loose, remove the cable. If the nut sticks, carefully wiggle the nut back and forth, or use an auto parts lubricant, to release it.
4. Do the same thing to remove the red (positive) cable from its battery terminal.
5. Loosen and remove the clamps that are holding the old battery in place.
6. Now that the battery is ready for removal, carefully lift the battery out with both hands. Remember, car batteries are heavy, and dropping it could cause it to break open and leak toxic fluid.
7. Use an anti-corrosion spray to remove any corrosion from the battery, tray, and clamps. If you don’t have an anti-corrosion solution, you can make a solution from baking soda and water.
8. Use a wire brush to clean off the battery cable connectors with the cleaning solution.
9. Install the new battery by placing it into the battery tray and tightening the vehicle’s hold-down clamps.
10.  Apply the anti-corrosion solution on both the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals before you connect the cables. The solution will help prevent corrosion and, in the end, extends the life of the battery.
11.  Attach the red (positive) battery cable first and then the black (negative) cable. 
12.  Double-check the connections on your battery to make sure everything is secure.
13. Start your vehicle to ensure the battery is working correctly. If for some reason, your new battery doesn’t work, it could be an issue with your electrical system or alternator.

How Often to Replace a Car Battery

If you’re driving around Orfordville and you notice any of the following warning signs, it could be time to replace your car battery:

• Abnormal power fluctuations
• It takes longer than usual to start the engine when you turn the key or push the button
• Dimming headlights
• You have to jump-start your vehicle regularly

How to Test a Car Battery

Do you know how to test your car battery? Don’t worry! Drive Burtness does! When you bring your new Jeep in for regular maintenance at Drive Burtness, our service team will test your car battery for you. If you’ve been searching for a “Car battery installation near me,” you’ve found it! We are conveniently located near Janesville. You can easily schedule a service appointment online or over the phone.

Visit Drive Burtness for All Your Car Battery Needs 

Now that you know how to install a car battery, if you don’t want to do it yourself, bring it to the service department at Drive Burtness. A car battery installation near me is just a phone call or short drive away. You can also learn how to set up Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™ while you’re here! What are you waiting for? Contact us today!