How to Remove a Car Battery

Your car’s battery is important to take care of! It starts your car, keeps it running, and helps power the electrical components. There may come a time, however, when you will need to remove and replace it. If you notice signs of damage or a low charge, the time is near. While this is a relatively simple task, it’s important to do this correctly to avoid hurting yourself. Learn how to remove a car battery safely with us at Luther Mazda of Lee's Summit today! If you’d rather have a certified technician at our service center take a look for you, simply schedule a service appointment.

Preparation

Batteries hold enough charge to deliver a deadly shock, so make sure you’re wearing insulated work gloves. You’ll also want to wear safety goggles from any corrosive agents you may come into contact with. The first step to this process is turning off the vehicle. A running vehicle can produce a spark and ignite flammable agents nearby. You’ll also want to:

1. Get some zip ties or another form of restraint to keep the battery cables in their proper place. If they touch, it creates sparks and becomes a fire hazard, so preventing them from touching is important.
2. Cover the positive cable end with a cloth once it is removed to avoid the risk of metal-to-metal contact.
3. Take off any jewelry — including necklaces, watches, and bracelets — to prevent getting a shock from these items coming in to contact with the battery.
4. Ensure you’re in a well-ventilated area to prevent exposure to harmful gases.

If the terminal is fused, use a special battery cable removal tool to get it loose. You’ll find these available at our dealership parts department as well as at general auto parts stores.

Removal

Once you have everything you need and are properly prepared to remove the battery, follow these steps for a safe battery removal:

1. Find the negative terminal. It should have a black plastic cover or a minus sign and will be located either on the post or in close proximity.
2. Take hold of the bolt head of the negative terminal with a wrench or pliers and hold it still.
3. Use a pliers another wrench to remove the nut, then pull off the negative cable and secure it away from the battery.
4. Repeat the above step for the positive cable, taking care that the two battery cables do not touch
5. If the battery is held by a securing bracket, use your pliers or wrench to take out the screws and bolts that hold it in place.
6. Lift the battery straight out of the bracket. Keep in mind that it may weigh up to 40 pounds.

Find Out More About Removing a Car Battery With Luther Mazda of Lee's Summit

Learn more about battery removal as well as other service tips and tricks from Luther Mazda of Lee's Summit near Kansas City today and keep your vehicle running smoothly on Grandview roads and beyond for years to come. Check out our service specials to help you save on other maintenance or browse our parts department for new parts and accessories for your next DIY project. Contact us today with any questions, to learn about the cost of a battery replacement, check out our Mazda CX-3 lease specials, and more.