How to change a van or car battery?

If you’ve never had to change a car or van battery before it can seem a bit daunting at first, but by following this step by step guide, the job can be done safely and will only take a few minutes to complete.

1. Make sure the vehicle is parked somewhere safe and on a flat surface. Apply the hand brake and remove the keys from the ignition. Some models activate the central locking if the battery is removed, so keep the keys to hand.

2. Make a note of any PIN codes or settings for equipment such as sat-nav or radios in your vehicle, as these may need to be reset if the old battery has been disconnected and a new one installed. This information should be included in the owner’s manual; if not, you may need to check with the manufacturer.

3. You’re ready to open the bonnet and locate the battery. Check the bonnet stay is secure fixed, unless the bonnet stays up automatically. In most vehicles, the battery will be easy to spot, although on some models, it may be located under the seat, or in the boot. The owner’s manual will have this information.

4. Make sure you wear gloves and preferably protective goggles as well because car batteries contain a strong type of acid that is corrosive and can burn skin on contact. 

5. Most modern batteries have a plastic cover or trim, which needs to be removed to expose the battery cables.

6. Battery cables are often colour coded (red for positive, black for negative) but if not, check the cable clamps on the battery, which will show minus (-) for negative. Always remove the negative connection first by loosening the clamp and moving it clear of the battery.

7. Now loosen the positive cable clamp (marked +) from the battery post in the same way.

8. Remove any clamps, bars, or screws holding the battery in place, and any vent pipes, if present. The battery is now ready to be lifted out, but remember, car batteries are heavy so you may need a hand removing it safely from the vehicle.

9. Fix the new battery in place, checking to see the battery posts are on the same sides as before and re-attaching any bars, screws, clamps, and vent pipes. Once fixed, the battery shouldn’t move.

10. Remove any protective covers from the terminal posts on the new battery.

11. Now you can secure the cable clamps; this time, make sure you attach the positive cable (coloured red, or marked +) first and position the cable as far down the post as possible.

12. Secure the negative cable clamp in place in the same way. Double-check that both cable clamps are snugly fitted to ensure a good connection with the battery post. Put the protective plastic trim or cover on the battery and close the bonnet.

13. The vehicle can now be started and any electronic equipment reset as required. County Battery is the leading supplier in Car & Van batteries. We do next day delivery as well. County Battery Services believe in Supplying Quality Car & Van batteries, we do not sell cheap batteries.