Does your car have a flaky battery? If you find it challenging to start your vehicle or notice a decrease in electrical power, it's time to replace the battery terminal. It's undeniable that battery terminals are an essential component of any vehicle. It bridges the gap between the battery and its charger. Unfortunately, battery terminals get corroded over time, and this becomes a significant concern for car owners.
But not to worry! This article will explain in detail the steps to follow to replace battery terminals without hassle. So, read on as we answer all your questions and acquaint you with relevant information.
What is a Battery Terminal?
A battery terminal is an electric connection used to connect the charger to a battery, which can either be a single cell or multiple cells. These terminals come in different sizes and types.
Any person who has replaced car batteries already knows that Auto Post Terminal is the most common battery terminal type.
Symptoms of Failing Battery Terminals
Battery terminals serve an important purpose and are usually engineered with lead and other highly conductive metals that are heavy duty in nature but provide low electric resistance.
Since battery terminals are the first point of contact between the vehicle's electrical system and the batteries, if the battery terminal has any issue, it can seriously affect the vehicle. When battery terminals fail to work, you'll notice the following symptoms.
Difficulty in Starting the Vehicle
Facing problems in starting the vehicle is the first symptom of a problem with battery terminals. Any corrosion developed on the battery terminal will interfere with the connection, and the vehicle will have trouble starting.
Corrosion
Another common symptom of a battery terminal issue is corrosion on a battery. Since the battery terminals are in direct contact with the battery, they get exposed to acidic fumes, resulting in corrosion. Unfortunately, corrosion can severely interfere with the battery terminal's ability to conduct power. Make sure to thoroughly inspect for any signs of powdery blue or white corrosion on the terminal or along the cable.
Loss of Electric Power
A bad battery terminal may also lead to loss of electric power. This problem occurs when a terminal is very corroded or broken. Since a corroded or damaged terminal cannot make good electric contact, it may cause a total loss of power. This situation demands a replacement of the battery terminal.
Although battery terminals are a simple and inexpensive component, they play a vital role in the overall functionality of a vehicle. In case you suspect any of the above-mentioned issues, consider replacing the battery terminal at the earliest.
What do you need to replace Battery Terminal?
There are certain tools that you need to replace a battery terminal. It includes -
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Hacksaw
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Socket
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Pliers
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Wire Brush
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Wrench Set
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Rag or towel
Make sure you have all the necessary tools to avoid last-minute trips to the store and save time.
Step-by-Step Procedure to Replace a Battery Terminal
As promised, we will now provide a step-by-step procedure to replace a battery terminal.
Open the Hood
The first thing you need to do is to open the car hood. Be careful and look for battery terminals you need to replace. You'll find them at the top of the battery, and they contain (+) or (-) signs. To avoid an electric shock, make sure to remove the (-) terminal first.
Loosen the Terminal Nuts
Each side of the terminal has nuts. Loosen them by rotating them using an adjustable wrench.
Move the Terminal
The next thing to do is to move the terminal from the battery node. Then, grab it with a towel or rag, and do not let it come in contact with the node. Now remove the positive terminal as well using the same steps.
Remove the Wire Plate
Next, remove the wire plate carefully from the bolts and put them on the side. At this point, the terminals are already disconnected, and you can use your hands to remove the plates.
Secure the Parts
Now put the flat washer and the screw-on head given with the new terminal sequentially on the vertically placed bolt. To secure the wire plate, rotate the bolt head. If you only get a nut with the battery terminal, make sure to tighten the nut.
Attach the Terminal Nuts
The last step is to attach the terminal nuts. Use a rag or towel to put the positive and negative terminals back on the node. Use a wrench to tighten the side nut of the negative terminal. Repeat the steps for the positive terminal to complete battery terminal replacement.
What are the Precautions?
It's important to understand that you are dealing with electricity when working with battery terminals. As a result, there are certain precautions to take.
Firstly, make sure to turn off the vehicle and remove the keys from the ignition before starting the process for complete safety.
After completing all the steps, check if the battery terminal comes out easily or not. Remember, only a snugged nut guarantees a secure connection.
It is important to use quality battery terminals for cars that will not corrode and transmit signals very well. Make sure to choose the right vendor for all tools, including battery terminals. One such vendor is terminalmart.com that supplies the best products at affordable prices.
Final Thoughts
Battery terminals serve a simple yet important purpose. Unfortunately, any damage to the terminal can affect the entire vehicle. Make sure to check for all the symptoms associated with a faulty battery terminal.
We have tried to cover all the steps to replace battery terminals. Remember to read them thoroughly and take necessary precautions for safety. We hope you find this article helpful.
