How to Install a Car Battery

Male mechanic changing car battery

Installing a car battery is a pretty simple process. Anyone can learn to do it. However, if you’d rather have an expert do it, the friendly Service Team at Douglass Nissan of Waco of Waco is here to help. Fortunately, we’re conveniently located near Woodway, so there’s no need for the “car battery installation near me” Google searches. But, for now, enjoy our guide on how to install a car battery below.

How to Install a Car Battery in 12 Steps

Special tools are not required to replace your car battery. You will need wrench or two, a wire brush, and maybe a screwdriver, depending on how your battery is secured to your car. Here’s how to install a car battery:

    1. Turn the engine off and make sure the car is in park. If the car is not parked on a level area, engage the parking brake.
    2. Raise the hood and find the battery. The battery is normally towards the front along either side of the engine compartment.
    3. Always disconnect the negative (black) cable first. This is to ensure you don’t inadvertently short out the system. When you connect the new battery, the order of cables will be reversed. Note: Be careful never to touch your wrench to both the positive and negative terminals at the same time, so as to avoid electric shock.
    4. Disconnect the positive (red) cable.
    5. Unscrew the clip or bracket holding the battery into place.
    6. Remove the old battery.
    7. Clean the battery connectors with a wire brush to remove corrosion.
    8. Place the new battery in the engine compartment. Reattach the clip or bracket the holds the battery in place.
    9. Always connect the positive (red) cable first. If you were to accidentally touch the wrench to both the positive terminal and the car frame while the negative terminal was connected, you could short out the system. This is why it’s important to only work on the positive terminal while the negative is disconnected.
    10. Connect the negative (black) cable.
    11. Start the car. If your car starts and runs smoothly, you’re good to go!
    12. Recycle your old battery. Most auto parts shops will do this for you.

Car Battery Installation Near You

You don’t need to drive all over town to find car battery installation near you. We’re conveniently located near Hewitt.

Check Out the Other Tips on Our Website

If you found this guide to be useful, check out our other service tips and tricks. Our service team is here to help. We’re just a short drive away from McGregor. If you need assistance or have any questions, feel free to contact us today!

Whether you need a car battery or Nissan Altima wheels, we have you covered.

More From Douglass Nissan of Waco

  • 2025 Nissan Kicks Technology

      If you’re on the hunt for your next reliable, tech-filled compact SUV, it’s hard to beat the Nissan Kicks. The latest 2025 Nissan Kicks features a wide range of innovative amenities, from cutting-edge driver-assistive safety systems to user-friendly infotainment systems, all at a price that won’t break the bank. Learn why so many Woodway…

  • 2025 Nissan Frontier Performance

      Whether you’re looking for a pickup truck with the power to tackle the tough jobs around Woodway or your off-road weekend adventures, it’s hard to beat the flexible capability of the new Nissan Frontier. Equipped with a performance-driven engine and a wealth of features to take on whatever the road throws at you, the…

  • 2025 Nissan Sentra Interior

      The Nissan Sentra is a highly affordable compact SUV known for exceeding expectations. If you’re looking to upgrade your Woodway commute with a sedan that’s sportier, sleeker, and more feature-loaded than it should be given its price, the Sentra is waiting for you at our showroom in Waco. One way the Sentra delivers exceptional…

Get Directions

5605 Legend Lake Pkwy, Waco, TX, 76712
Douglass Nissan of Waco 31.4953608, -97.1605975.