If your car won't start, it could be due to a dead car battery. In this case, you'll need to remove the old car battery and replace it with a new one. If you haven't had to disconnect a car battery before, stick around to learn how to do so by following our step-by-step guide below:
Things to keep in mind when you disconnect a car battery
Disconnecting a car battery is a fairly straightforward task. However, there are safety concerns you need to keep in mind:
Protective gear
Because your vehicle's battery likely still holds a charge after you've turned off your engine, you'll be dealing with live electricity, which could put you at risk of being electrocuted if not handled correctly. To ensure you remain safe, wear eye protection and protective gloves when handling the existing battery and battery cables.
Tools
To remove the car battery, you'll need to unscrew the battery terminals from your car. So, make sure you have a socket wrench set available to make your battery replacement as easy as possible.
The right replacement battery
Not all car batteries are the same. Before moving ahead with your battery replacement, check your owner's manual to determine what battery size you need.
How to disconnect car batteries
Now that you've checked your owner's manual for your battery size and purchased a replacement, you can begin to disconnect your car battery by following the steps listed below:
1. Shut your engine off
First things first, you need to shut off your vehicle engine. Trying to remove your car battery while the engine is still on can lead to severe bodily injury and death. Put the vehicle in park and remove your keys from the ignition.
2. Locate your car battery
Next, locate your car battery. The battery is typically located in the engine compartment, which is under your vehicle's hood. There should be a latch that you press by your bumper that will release the hood, allowing you to push upwards and secure it in place.
3. Find the positive terminal and the negative terminal
You now need to locate the positive and negative terminals on your batter. The negative terminal will have a negative (-) symbol near it. The negative terminal should also be connected to a black negative battery cable.
In contrast, the positive terminal will have a positive (+) symbol. There should be a red positive battery cable connected to it. To prevent your battery from short-circuiting, you need to disconnect the negative terminal before the positive terminal. Using your socket wrench, loosen the bolt and carefully lift the negative cable off of the battery post, ensuring that the negative cable does not touch the positive terminal or another metal surface.
Once the negative battery terminal is removed, you'll now need to loosen the bolt on the positive terminal. Again, carefully lift the positive cable off the battery post, ensuring that the two cables don't touch.
4. Remove the battery harness
Now it's time to remove the battery harness which holds the battery in place. Locate the bolts and loosen them with your wrench kit. Then, remove the battery hold down.
5. Lift the dead battery out
With the battery hold-down removed, you'll then be able to lift the battery out from under the hood of your car. Keep in mind that a car's battery can weigh up to 40 pounds, so be careful when lifting upwards. Place the battery away from your vehicle on a flat surface to prevent battery acid from leaking. You'll need to then dispose of the old battery appropriately.
6. Install your new battery
You'll then have to install the new battery. Place the new battery into the battery tray, remembering to keep the battery level.
Once the battery is in place, reinstall the battery hold-down before tightening it in place with your wrench. Next, attach the positive terminal, followed by the negative terminal. Then, connect the positive battery post with its appropriate cable. Repeat this same process for the negative cable and terminal.
Once installed, you can test the battery by turning on your vehicle. Note that because you disconnected the battery, you'll need to reset your digital clock.
Further, if you feel uncomfortable having to disconnect the battery in your vehicle, make an appointment with a mechanic for assistance.
How long does a car battery last?
Generally speaking, a car battery lasts anywhere between three to six years before it will need to be replaced. That said, how long your battery lasts will depend on several factors, including your day-to-day driving habits, the local climate in your area, and the overall health of your vehicle.
So, how can you tell when it's time to change your battery? Besides the obvious sign of not being able to turn your vehicle on, other signs include the following:
- Your electrical components are malfunctioning (dim headlights, problems with your radio, flickering dash lights, inability to charge your phone, inability to roll down windows or open sunroof).
- A clicking sound when you turn your key and attempt to start your engine.
- Corroded battery terminal connectors.
- You've had to connect jumper cables to your positive and negative terminals to jump-start your vehicle more than once in the past month.
A dead battery can leave you stranded when you have somewhere to be. To ensure your car battery is well-maintained and to extend its service life, avoid shorter trips if you can by walking to places close by or carpooling. Keep your positive terminals and negative terminals, along with the plastic caps, clean to ensure your battery continues functioning properly.
Does car insurance or warranty cover battery replacement?
Car insurance is intended to cover repairs needed if your vehicle is damaged during a car accident or a non-collision event. Additionally, for the repairs to be compensated, you will need to have purchased comprehensive or collision insurance. Car insurance will not, however, cover the cost of vehicle repairs that result from intentional damage or general wear and tear, which includes your batteries or any type of engine replacement that your vehicle may require.
Ultimately, the only way your insurance company would replace your batteries is if they were damaged as the result of a collision or comprehensive claim. For example, someone vandalizes your car, including the battery, or you get into an accident that results in battery damage.
That said, mechanical breakdown coverage is a form of insurance that pays for the repair of specific automotive parts like your engine or batteries that fail due to mechanical failures instead of collisions or normal wear and tear. This is an optional policy you can add to your insurance plan, but it is not offered by all providers. Also, keep in mind that coverage options will vary.
Additionally, if your vehicle is still relatively new, there's a possibility that your car batteries are still under warranty from your vehicle manufacturer. If your manufacturer warranty has expired, you may still be covered under a secondary warranty if you, by chance, purchased an extension on your own. Warranties again, are optional and intended to help cover the cost of repairs your car requires that are not covered by your insurance company. Note that not all insurance companies offer warranty plans as a service.
Protect your vehicle with quality car insurance (mandatory)
In Canada, all motorists operating a motor vehicle on public roads must have valid car insurance. That said, some policies are mandatory, while others are optional and intended to provide added peace of mind behind the wheel. Here's a closer look at the different types of auto insurance policies available:
Contact BrokerLink for affordable auto insurance
If you're in the market for affordable car insurance, look no further than BrokerLink.
BrokerLink is a leading brokerage in Canada with access to top insurance companies and policies, giving us the ability to customize your insurance coverage based on your unique driving habits and budget. We can also help you compare insurance quotes and determine your eligibility for certain discounts and promotions so you can save on your insurance premiums.
To work with a broker from brokerLink, you're more than welcome to come visit us at one of our many locations across Canada. If we're not in your neighbourhood, you can also give us a shout over the phone to speak with a broker. Alternatively, you can get a competitive insurance quote from the comfort of your own home using our free online quote tool.
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