How to Remove a Car Battery

Sometimes your battery has to be removed to replace it or inspect it for signs of damage. Removing a car battery is a relatively straightforward process that can be performed at home, but it can be dangerous if you don’t do it properly. Learn how to remove a car battery safely with Lexus of Cherry Hill below.

Removing a Car Battery – Preparation

Before removing a car battery, you must ensure your car is turned off, as a running vehicle can produce a spark and ignite flammable agents. Batteries hold enough charge to deliver a fatal shock, so it’s essential that you wear insulated work gloves when removing a car battery. You should also wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from corrosive agents.

Here are some other crucial steps to take before removing a car battery at your Voorhees home:

• It’s essential that you keep your battery cables from touching, as this can create sparks and result in a fire hazard. Get some zip ties or another type of restraint to keep the battery cables in their proper place.
• Once it is removed, cover the positive cable end with a cloth to avoid the risk of metal-to-metal contact.
• Take off any necklaces, watches, bracelets, and other jewelry. You can get shocked if they come into contact with the battery.
• Prevent exposure to harmful gasses by ensuring you’re in a well-ventilated area.

If you find that the terminal is fused, you can get a special battery cable removal tool from the Lexus of Cherry Hill parts department to loosen it.

Removing a Car Battery

After taking the necessary precautions above, follow these steps to safely remove a car battery:

• Locate the negative terminal. It should have a black plastic cover with a minus sign.
• Using a wrench or pliers, take hold of the bolt head of the negative terminal and hold it still.
• While still holding the bolt head of the negative terminal, use another pair of pliers or a wrench to remove the nut, then pull off the negative cable and place it somewhere away from the battery.
• Repeat the above step for the positive cable, ensuring that the two battery cables do not touch.
• If the battery is held by a securing bracket, use your pliers or wrench to take out the screws and bolts that keep it in place.
• Next, lift the battery straight out of the bracket (Note: it can weigh up to 40 pounds).

Schedule Service with Lexus of Cherry Hill Today

Now that you know how to remove a car battery, you’re saving your future self the hassle of unexpected breakdowns when you’re out and about in Moorestown. If you prefer to have your car battery removed by a professional, please don’t hesitate to schedule service with Lexus of Cherry Hill. We’re just a short drive from Philadelphia! Contact us today if you have any questions.