
Many car components need regular updating, but a car battery can last three to four years, depending on your driving. When it is time to replace the battery, many people get nervous. They don’t know if they can handle it on their own. Replacing a car battery is straightforward and the perfect DIY project for a novice.
1. Check for Any Erosion
Old batteries can erode, especially if they are well past their prime. You want to be careful about handling damaged batteries. If it shows significant signs of erosion, take your car to a mechanic to ensure the battery doesn’t hurt the engine. If the battery is in decent cosmetic shape, you can safely move forward with the removal.
2. Negative and Positive Charges
Before you check your car battery or start the removal process, ensure the vehicle is off. Do not leave the keys in the ignition. Failing to turn the car off can cause severe injury. Find the positive and negative charges or terminals. They are typically located on the top of the battery. The positive direction will have a plus sign, and some will have a red locking cap. Disconnect the terminals from the battery.
3. Remove Clamp or Retaining System
Before you can put in a new battery for 2013 Nissan Altima, you will need to remove the clamping or retaining mechanism around the old one. You can usually remove the piece with a Phillips or flathead screwdriver. Keep track of any small parts. With the retaining piece removed, you can remove the old battery from the vehicle.
4. Clean the Terminals
With the battery clean of the engine housing, examine all positive and negative terminals for any corrosion or corrosive. You can usually find terminal cleaners and brushes to make the job easier. Remember, you do not have to make the connections spotless; just ensure that nothing will compromise the connection for the new battery.
5. Place and Secure the New Battery
With clean terminals, take the new battery and position it correctly within the engine compartment. Reattach the brace. When the battery is secure, attach the positive and negative charges. Before trying the new battery, ensure everything is connected securely and in the right places. After double-checking the connections, you can try the car.
6. Recycle Your Old Battery
You do not want to hold onto your old 2012 Nissan Altima battery, and you should not throw it in the regular garbage. The proper way to discard any old car battery is to recycle it at the store where you bought it. Most auto parts stores or stores selling car batteries will accept old batteries for recycling.
You will need to change your car battery every three to five years. If you want to take it to a shop, you can, but swapping a battery is a relatively easy task. If you choose a DIY approach, make sure you take your time, especially if you have never done anything like it before. In the end, the proper way to change a battery is something you can learn alone or contact a local auto shop for.