How to Remove Car Battery Terminals

If you've ever owned a car, then you've dealt with battery problems. You might have left your lights on, you might have left the radio cranking, maybe it was cold, or maybe your battery was just old. Whatever the cause, you've had to replace the battery. Here's how to change those trickery battery terminals.

Instructions

1

Turn off your engine and allow to cool for a moment. The engine being off is imperative. While most likely the battery will be dead, some people jump the battery and try and keep it running while waiting to change it. Make sure it is off.

2

Test the battery before you change it. The alternator, which is supposed to keep the battery charged, may be faulty. The alternator does cost more to repair, but this will save you the cost of replacing a perfectly good battery.

3

Remove the negative battery terminal first. This is your "ground." Once you have released it, the battery is essentially dead. Take your wrench and loosen the nut. (Sometimes they twist with just your hand.) Once loosened, clearly move it away from the rest of the battery so there is no chance that it can make contact, as there is a great danger of shock.

4

Work on the positive battery terminal. Repeat the process with your wrench, removing the positive side. Simply loosen and move away. Once you have done this, you are ready to replace your battery.