Latex Gloves

• Safety is important when working with any kind of equipment, including when swapping out a car battery that contains acid. Likely, the battery is not leaking fluid, but in the event that it is, you'll be glad that you were wearing a pair of latex gloves as they can protect against acid. If you're allergic to latex, then a pair of thickly lined, heavy duty work gloves will do.
  
  

Eye Protection

• Eyeglasses or goggles offer sufficient protection for your eyes. Always wear eye protection gear when working around equipment, especially underneath your car's hood. Avoid the effects of splash back.
  
  

Cotton Rag

• Keep a cotton rag handy to wipe off the old battery, cables, terminals, and to clean up after yourself when your project is complete.
  
  

Hand Tools

• A wrench and a flat head screw driver are needed to loosen the positive and negative connections for the battery. In addition, the car battery sits on a plate that holds it in place. Use the screwdriver to disconnect the battery from the bottom first, then disconnect the connections second.
  
  

Wire Brush, Plastic Container, Baking Soda, Water & Petroleum Jelly

• Once the old battery has been removed, you will want to clean off the cables connecting it to the battery terminals. Likely, corrosive gunk has built up which can be removed with a wire brush. Dip the wire brush into a 50-50 solution of baking soda and water which you prepared and placed in a disposable plastic container. Once the new battery has been connected using the screwdriver and wrench, use the cotton rag to wipe the terminal posts dry. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the battery posts and terminals to prevent corrosion.
  
  

Conclusion

• Swapping out a car battery takes about 15 to 20 minutes to accomplish. With some cars, you may need to use a Phillips head screwdriver instead of a flat head.