PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
Is it easy to replace a car battery?
I’m a new driver but I did some automotive workshops in high school. My family car needs a new battery and I want to do the job myself. Is it easy to replace a car battery?
Bonnie Stinson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
We love seeing new drivers take responsibility for their vehicles! Yes, it is fairly easy to replace a car battery on most makes and models.
Here are the items you will need to replace a car battery:
- Socket wrench
- Pliers
- Work gloves
- Eye protection
- Wire brush or terminal cleaning tool
- A new battery
When you are ready, start by donning your protective gear. Make sure the engine is cool and then locate the battery. Find the terminals—in most cases, the positive terminal is red and the negative terminal is black. Look for a plus sign and minus sign to confirm. Always remove the negative terminal first.
Once you disconnect the battery, you will need to remove the clamps and fasteners. Keep any parts that you remove (like nuts and bolts) to re-attach later. Then, lift the battery from its tray. It will be heavy, like 50 pounds, but it may have a handle.
Do not allow any metal objects to touch both ends of the battery!
Use a wire brush and cleaning solution to clean up the tray and terminals. Once it’s dry, you can install the new battery by aligning the terminals and re-installing the clamps. Attach the positive terminals first, tighten, and then the negative terminals.
Test your work by closing the hood and starting the car. Congrats, you just saved your family about a hundred bucks!
Regular maintenance
and DIY services can save you a ton of money as a car owner. But finding cheap car insurance
can save you thousands over the years. Use Jerry
to quickly compare rates. We can help you add a new driver
to a family policy, unlock good student discounts
, or simply look for a lower rate. The Jerry app is fast and free! Good luck with the battery replacement!
View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies