Can You Change a Car Battery with the Engine Running?

Introduction

If your car battery has died, you may be wondering if you can change it with the engine running. The answer is no, you should never change a car battery with the engine running.

Why You Shouldn’t Change a Car Battery with the Engine Running

There are several reasons why you shouldn’t change a car battery with the engine running.

It’s dangerous. When you change a car battery, you are working with live electrical wires. If you touch the wrong wire, you could get shocked or even electrocuted.
It can damage your car. If you accidentally short the battery terminals, you could damage your car’s electrical system.
It’s not necessary. Most car batteries can be changed without the engine running.

How to Change a Car Battery

If you need to change a car battery, follow these steps:

Park your car in a safe place. Turn off the engine and put the car in park.
Open the hood. Locate the battery and disconnect the negative terminal (black wire) first, then the positive terminal (red wire).
Remove the old battery. Carefully lift the old battery out of the battery tray.
Install the new battery. Place the new battery in the battery tray and connect the positive terminal (red wire) first, then the negative terminal (black wire).
Tighten the battery terminals. Use a wrench to tighten the battery terminals. Do not overtighten.
Close the hood. Start the engine and check the battery gauge to make sure the battery is charging.

Conclusion

Changing a car battery is a simple task that can be done in about 30 minutes. However, it’s important to remember to never change a car battery with the engine running. By following these steps, you can safely and easily change your car battery.