The vehicle’s battery is what starts the car up, keeps it running, and helps power the electrical components while you’re driving through Malibu. This is why you may need to remove it to replace it when the charge gets low or if there are signs of damage. This is a simple task you can do but needs to be done right to avoid any injuries. Learn how to remove a car battery safely with the service team at Jaguar Santa Monica Authorized Service.
Preparing for the Battery Removal
Batteries can hold enough charge to deliver a deadly shock, which is why you need to wear insulated work gloves and safety goggles to keep your eyes protected from corrosive agents. Before starting, turn off your car since running vehicles can produce a spark and ignite flammable agents.
You should also:
- Get zip ties or another form of restraint to keep the battery cables in their proper place. If they touch, it creates sparks and becomes a fire hazard, so preventing them from touching is important.
- Cover the positive cable end with a cloth once it is removed to avoid the risk of metal-to-metal contact.
- Take off any jewelry — including necklaces, watches, and bracelets — to prevent getting a shock if they come in contact with the battery.
- Remove the battery in a well-ventilated area to prevent exposure to harmful gases.
- If the terminal is fused, use a special battery cable removal tool to get it loose. These are available from our parts departments and general auto parts stores.
Removing the Battery
Once everything is ready, follow these steps to safely remove your battery:
- Find the negative terminal. It should have a black plastic cover or a minus sign. It will either be located on the post or nearby.
- Take hold of the bolt head of the negative terminal with a wrench or pliers and hold it still.
- Use other pliers or wrench to remove the nut, then pull off the negative cable and secure it away from the battery.
- Repeat the above step for the positive cable, taking care 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 hold it in place.
- Lift the battery straight out of the bracket. Keep in mind that it may weigh up to 40 pounds.
A Car Battery Has How Many Volts?
Whether you’re testing or removing your car battery, many drivers wonder how many volts it has. Usually, a fully charged car battery should measure at 12.6 volts or higher. However, with the engine running, it bumps it up to 13.7 to 14.7 volts.
Want to test your car battery at home? You should test the car’s battery and electrical system a couple of times a year when you bring your vehicle to your service center for routine maintenance, but you can also follow these steps for an at-home version:
- Start your car and turn on your headlights.
- If the lights are dim, they may be running on your battery.
- If the lights get brighter when you rev the engine, the alternator may be producing some current, but not enough when idle to keep the battery charged.
- If the lights have a normal level of brightness, even when you rev the engine, your battery is likely working normally.
Be sure to ask our service experts for a battery check the next time you bring in your car for maintenance!
Find Out More About Removing a Car Battery With Jaguar Santa Monica Authorized Service
If you want tips to avoid unnecessary breakdowns or failed starts between Brentwood and Los Angeles, it’s important to know how to remove a car battery. Give our service center a call with any questions or to schedule a service appointment.