15 Dec 2022

What Happens If You Install A Car Battery Incorrectly?

Car batteries come in all shapes and sizes, which can make them a little difficult to install. So, what happens when you install car battery incorrectly? Install car battery incorrectly can shorten its lifespan and may even lead to your car not starting as often or as easily. All of this can add up quickly and cost you money. Even worse, it could also hurt you if you don’t take care of your car battery properly after installation. What follows is everything you need to know about installing your battery correctly.

What Is The Best Way To Install A Car Battery?

The best way to install a new car battery is to make sure you have the correct battery for the vehicle you are fitting it to, and you also have the right tools required for the job. If you are unsure about fitting the battery, you should do your research or ask your local battery specialist, as not following the correct procedure may do damage to your vehicle and shorten the batteries lifespan.

Installing Car Battery Correctly

Installing a new battery on some vehicles may only take a few minutes, however this is not always the case. For some vehicles it may take longer and it is imperative to follow the correct procedure so as to no do damage to the vehicle. Once you have located the battery in the vehicle, you remove the hold down bracket or clamp, then you remove the negative terminal followed by the positive terminal. Make sure that the battery tray and wires are clean and free of dirt and corrosion. Once you have installed the new battery, you put the positive terminal on first, followed by the negative. Then reattach and tighten the battery bracket or clamp and start the vehicle to ensure the battery is working correctly.

If You Have A Good Battery Tender, It Will Do Everything For You

If you’re installing a car battery yourself, it is still recommended to use a battery tender or a backup power source, however in older vehicles this is not always the case, and backup power may not be required. In modern vehicles when changing the battery, you should always fit a power pack before disconnecting or removing the battery so as to maintain power to the vehicle at all times. This will ensure you maintain all the settings and the cars computer will be backed up, failing to do so can sometimes set off fault codes in the vehicle and will then need to be reset through the computer. So when changing the battery in a modern vehicle, ensure you always have a battery tender or power pack so as to not damage the vehicles electrical system.

Correctly Installing A New Or Replacement Battery

When installing a new battery it is vitally important to follow the steps above, ensuring that you don’t do damage to the vehicle and you get the maximum performance and lifespan form your new battery. Not following these procedures may cost you time and money in the long run.

Faulty Battery Care Can Lead To Damage And Shortening Life Span

Battery care is something that is often overlooked by car owners. While you shouldn’t break any of the rules above when installing a car battery, you should also make sure to follow the care instructions on the car battery. This way, you can keep your battery in tip-top shape for as long as possible. You should also make sure that your battery is fully charged before you place it back in the vehicle if recharging it.

Final Tips When Installing A Car Battery

Before you begin installing a new or a replacement battery, make sure you understand your car’s charging system. This will help you understand how the system works and make sure that you don’t accidentally damage your charging system while installing your new battery. However if you are unsure about installing your vehicles battery, have it fitted by your mechanic or local battery specialist so as to avoid doing irreparable damage to your car. If your battery is getting old and seems to be struggling, have it tested to see if it is in need of replacement. There are a lot of advantages to installing a new battery.