How to Remove a Car Battery

Your car’s battery is one of the key elements in its everyday operation. Without a working battery, you’re not leaving the driveway. The battery provides the electric power that’s needed to ignite the spark plugs and start up the engine. Not only does the battery help start the engine, but it also helps keep the engine running. If your car battery needs to be replaced, knowing how to do it correctly is a must. We’d recommend scheduling a service visit at our Dover dealership before removing a car battery, but we also believe in being transparent about when these types of auto services are completed. 

Removing a Car Battery: Preparation 

Batteries can be dangerous if they’re mishandled. Never touch a car battery without insulated work gloves. Also, make sure that you’re wearing a pair of safety glasses at all times. Batteries can explode, which is why it’s also important to make sure the car is off before attempting to replace the battery. Keeping all of that in mind, take the following steps to make the process easier and safer: 

• Remove any jewelry or metal to prevent getting electrocuted.
• Secure the battery cables with zip ties. You don’t want them to touch, as they can create explosion-inducing sparks.
• Cover the positive battery cable end with a cloth once it is removed to reduce the risk of metal-to-metal contact.
• Your car battery contains potentially dangerous liquid compounds. Stay in a well-ventilated area to protect yourself. 

Here’s How to Remove a Car Battery Step-By-Step

After you’ve made all the necessary preparations, follow these steps to safely remove your battery:

1. Locate the negative battery terminal. It has a black plastic cover and/or a minus sign.
2. Find the bolt head of the negative terminal. Using a wrench or pliers, hold it in place.
3. Using another set of pliers or a wrench, remove the nut.
4. Pull off the negative cable and place it a safe distance away from the battery. 
5. Repeat the above-listed steps for the positive cable. Again, make sure the two cables don’t touch! 
6. If the battery is held in place by a securing bracket, use your wrench or pliers to remove the screws and bolts. 
7. Lift the battery straight out of the bracket. Keep in mind that taking out a car battery can be a workout. Batteries usually range from 25 to 60 pounds. 

How Many Volts is a Car Battery?

Fully charged, a car battery’s voltage measures about 12.6 volts or higher. When the engine is running, the voltage is higher — usually 13.7 to 14.7 volts. If you want to test your car battery to see how much charge it’s holding, you can take the following steps: 

• Turn on your car. Then, flick on your headlights.
• If the headlights are dim, they might be running on your battery.
• If the headlights get brighter when you rev the engine, the alternator might be generating some current, but likely not enough to keep the battery charged while idle. 
• If the headlights have a normal level of brightness, even when you rev the engine, your battery is likely holding the right amount of charge. 

Schedule Battery Service at Parkway Honda Today! 

Now that you know how to remove a car battery, you can decide for yourself whether it’s easier to do it yourself or bring your Honda to our service center. We have the knowledge, tools, and equipment to complete battery service in no time. Whether you need a battery replacement, or a battery inspection, we’ve got you covered. Contact our service center online or call us at 330-364-8661 to learn more about our service menu. Before you schedule, be sure to browse our current service specials in Dover.