Can you Replace a Car Battery Yourself? - AllCarIndex
Car batteries are a major point of interest at the moment. Among the fastest-growing categories of cars, in terms of sales, is the BEV (or Battery Electric Vehicle). But the truth is that every modern car, electric or not, comes equipped with a battery – albeit in most cases it's a smaller one, designed to power the starter motor.
What's the battery for?
Your car's battery is there to get the starter motor moving, which will turn the engine and begin the internal combustion process. If your battery fails or runs flat, you won't be able to do this – and your car won't be drivable. These failures tend to occur on cold mornings when the battery isn't quite as effective.
How often should you replace it?
Batteries have a limited lifespan. Over time, they lose their ability to hold a charge. And so it's recommended that you swap yours out every three to five years. You can get a professional to do this for you, or you can do it yourself.
Is it safe and doable?
It's highly unlikely that you will suffer a severe electric shock from a car battery (unless we're talking about a BEV battery). You will, however, need to wear gloves and goggles if you want to be sensible. A battery can leak highly corrosive chemicals onto your skin. If you're wearing metal jewellery, it can also give you a little bit of a shock.
Where can you get a battery?
Car batteries are widely available. Modern vendors have an extensive selection, and they're very competitive when it comes to price. You can pick up a car battery replacement online, fit it yourself, and be back on the road in next to no time. In fact, it might be worth picking up your battery in advance of you actually needing it. That way, you can be reasonably sure that you won't be caught out by an unexpected failure.
Why would you swap it yourself?
If you're replacing the battery yourself, you'll save yourself the cost of paying someone else to do it. Besides which, swapping the battery is a practical skill that's worth developing. Develop your skills and familiarity with the workings of your car, and you'll be more confident when you come to perform other, more advanced operations. Plus, you'll get the satisfaction that comes with fixing the problem yourself!