How to Install a Car Battery

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Removing the Old Battery

Before you install your new car battery, you’ll want to start by removing the old car battery. Loosen and disconnect the battery terminal cables and remove the negative ones first, then remove the positive ones. Unfasten and remove the hold-down strap and the screws that keep the battery secure. Then, pull up on the battery to dislodge it from the car.

Before you install the new battery, make sure you clean the tray where the battery is supposed to go by using steel wool or a wire brush. Additionally, make sure your battery is fully charged before installation.

Installing the New Battery

Now that you’ve removed the old battery and prepped the tray for the new one, it’s time to dig in. You’ll start by placing the battery in the freshly cleaned tray and making sure it lines up properly. This is essential because you must make sure the positive and the negative terminals line up with the correct cables.

After this step, the next one will be to secure the hold-down strap in its original position. Once it’s secure, attach the positive (red) cable first, then the negative (black) cable. Finally, tighten the nuts, and your car should be good to go!

Recycle Your Old Battery

A car battery isn’t something you can just toss in the trash and forget about. It will need to be properly recycled, which you can do by taking it wherever you bought the replacement battery or to a specified drop-off location.

You may wonder why car batteries are recycled. Recycling reduces waste as well as the need to use new raw materials and components. In some cases, you can receive credit for recycling your battery depending where you take it.

Need a Battery? Visit Our Parts Center!

You could go to many different places for a car battery, but you may not receive the type of expert knowledge and service you’ll get from the parts center team at our BMW dealership! Here, you’ll find various batteries designed to fit all types of vehicles. Just tell a team member what you’re looking for, and they’ll help you find it!

While you’re here, you can opt to have one of our all-star service technicians complete the removal and installation process, or you can take the battery home to do it yourself!

Furthermore, our dealership is proud to offer various specials on all types of car parts to help you save money. When you’re looking for parts—including batteries, among many others—check our website to see which specials are currently being offered!