What Tools You Need to Change a Car Battery
A 10 mm open-end wrench is an essential tool for replacing the battery in your vehicle. The battery cables always use 10mm nuts. The battery bracket typically uses a 10mm bolt, but some battery brackets are held in place with a 12mm or 13mm bolt.
Like a professional, you may need a few extra tools to change the battery. With these tools, you can change the battery in virtually any car. Of course, a few cars out there need specialty tools.
 | 10mm 3/8 Drive Socket |
 | 3/8-inch Drive Socket Extension Set |
 | 3/8-Inch Drive Quick Release Ratchet |
 | Battery Terminal Cleaning Brush |
 | Battery Terminal Dielectric Grease |
Now, look more in-depth at the tools you need to replace a car battery yourself.
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How to use these tools
Let’s look at how you would use these tools to change a car battery.
Battery Terminal Brush
You will need a battery terminal brush to scrub the corroded terminal. Insert the brush, twist, and clean your battery’s positive and negative clamps.
Make sure to clean the battery post as well.
10 mm Combination Wrench or Socket
Before removing the battery and cleaning it, you need to loosen the 10 mm nut. The nut doesn’t need to come off; you must get it loose. After you loosen the 10 mm bolt on the negative and positive battery brackets, disconnect the battery clamps.
You can also use a combination 10mm open-end wrench to loosen the bolt.
Tools to remove battery bracket
Depending on how your battery is mounted, you may need one of the following:
Removing batteries that have the bracket on top
Most Japanese cars, such as Honda and Toyota, or American cars, like Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge, have the battery secured with a bracket on top of the battery. These batteries are easy to replace. Remove the 10 mm that holds the bracket in place. Remove the hold-down bracket and pull out the battery.
Removing batteries that have a side bracket
BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Porsche, and many European cars ensure the battery is in place using a bracket at the base of the battery. The bracket typically has a 12mm or 13mm bolt. You will need an 8″ extension and a ratchet to reach this bolt, which is down, and usually, there isn’t much room for your hands.
Dielectric Grease
It is highly recommended that dielectric grease be used to protect the battery terminal from corrosion and improve the connection.
Where is a vehicle battery located?
The most common locations where you will find a car battery are:
- The engine bay
- In the trunk
- Under the rear seat
When replacing a car battery, which terminal do you disconnect and connect to first?
Start by disconnecting the negative terminal when removing the battery. Then, disconnect the positive battery terminal.
When connecting the battery, connect the positive terminal first. Lastly, connect the negative battery terminal.
How difficult is it to change the car battery yourself?
Changing a car battery is relatively easy, even if you don’t have much experience fixing cars; it is one of the easiest repairs you can do yourself.
How long does it take to change the battery yourself?
Changing a vehicle battery yourself will take about 15 -25 minutes.
What should I keep in mind when changing the car battery myself?
Always disconnect the negative terminal first. Never short between the positive battery terminal and the car’s body or the Negative terminal. If you do this, you will create sparks and may even damage electronics or the battery. Most importantly, you may cause injuries to yourself.
Can I replace the battery for free?
Yes. Most stores that sell batteries will install them without a labor charge. For example, if you purchase a new battery from Advance Auto Parts or AutoZone, they will install it free of charge. We hope you find the What Tools You Need to Change a Car Battery guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your vehicle.
