Battery Safety and Handling Guidelines

Whenever you’re handling or working with a lead-acid battery, consult your vehicle and battery owner's manual for instructions and safety precautions.

Lead-acid batteries contain hydrogen-oxygen gases that can be explosive and sulfuric acid that can cause severe burns.

To help avoid risk of danger and injury, observe these precautions when handling or working with a lead-acid battery:

• Wear ANSI* approved safety glasses or goggles and a face shield.
• Wear proper clothing to protect your face, hands and body.
• Make sure work area is well-ventilated.
• Never lean over battery while boosting, testing or charging.
• Cigarettes, flames or sparks could cause a battery to explode. Keep all ignition sources away from the battery.
• Always shield eyes and face from battery.
• Do not charge or use booster cables or adjust post connections without proper instructions and training.
• KEEP VENT CAPS TIGHT AND LEVEL.
• In event of accident, flush with water and call a physician immediately.
• KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

*ANSI — American National Standards Institute

Play Video

Before you begin, you'll need:

• A set of jumper cables
• A vehicle with a good battery that is the same voltage as yours
• To know the difference between the negative and positive battery terminals and the negative and positive clamps of the jumper cables. Positive is indicated by a (+) sign, the words "POS" and the color red; negative is marked by a (-) sign, the words "NEG" and the color black. The colors may vary, but are red (+) and black (-) in most instances.

Jump-starting

1. Pull the cars next to each other so they're not touching and turn off both ignitions.
2. Connect the positive clamp of the jumper cable to the dead battery's positive terminal.
3. Connect the other positive clamp of the cable to the positive terminal of the battery in the starting vehicle.
4. Connect the negative clamp of the cable to the negative terminal of the battery in the starting vehicle.
5. Connect the other negative clamp of the cable to the vehicle's engine block, or other metal surface of the car-away from the battery. This metal surface is exclusive of the carburetor or tubing on the car with the discharged battery. This serves as your ground or connection point.
6. Make certain all cables are clear of fan blades, belts and other moving parts of both engines and that everyone is standing away from the vehicles. Start the car of the battery providing the jump-start; then try to start the car with the dead battery.

If the car starts, allow the engine to return to idle speed, then remove the cables in the reverse order that you put them on.

• Remove the negative clamp on the ground of the car that needed the jump.
• Remove the negative clamp on the assisting vehicle.
• Remove the positive clamp from the assisting vehicle.
• Remove the positive clamp from the formerly stalled vehicle.

If the car doesn't start, wait a few moments and try again. If it still doesn't start, you probably need a new battery.

* ANSI — American National Standards Institute

Play Video (#1)

Play Video (#2)

Before performing any battery service, complete a visual inspection of the battery, cables and the surrounding area. Check for obvious damage such as:

• Cracked or Broken Case
• Terminal Damage
• Cable Damage
• Bloated Battery
• Missing Vent Caps
• Missing Hold-Down

1. Remove the ground (black) cable first.
2. Use the proper size box or open wrench when removing the cables.
3. Remove the old battery.
4. Place the new battery into position.
5. If original battery has a cover or heat shield, place on new unit.
6. Re-tighten the hold-downs until snug.
7. Connect the positive (red) cable to the positive post of the battery.
8. Connect the negative (black) cable to the negative post of the battery.

If you like, one of our trained professionals can install it for you at no charge.

*Installation services not available at all locations

A battery stores energy in chemical form that can be released on demand as electricity. This electrical power is used by the car's ignition system for cranking the engine. Once the car is started, the alternator will power your vehicle, giving your battery the opportunity to recharge and get ready for the next vehicle start.

Play Video

Many other problems can keep a car from starting, so you need to do some troubleshooting. Most Walmart locations will not only test your battery for free, but can perform a free System Check as well.

1. BATTERY FINDER:
   The Battery Finder on this site will provide you with a battery recommendation.
2. POWER:
   What are the Cold Cranking Amps required to power your vehicle? Always meet or exceed your vehicle’s manufacturer minimum requirements.
3. WARRANTY:
   Automotive batteries are backed by a warranty package. Choose what is right for your needs.

Cold Cranking Amps is a rating used in the battery industry to define a battery's ability to start an engine in cold temperatures. The rating is the number of amps a new, fully-charged battery can deliver at 0° Fahrenheit for 30 seconds, while maintaining a voltage of at least 7.2 volts, for a 12 volt battery. But don’t worry, we will make sure that the battery we sell you meets or exceeds your vehicle’s manufacturer minimum requirements.

You can bring any lead-acid battery into Walmart and we will dispose of it for you at no charge. If you purchase a new battery during the same visit, you can also save on the core fee.

Model numbers that end in either an (N) or (S) are specifically designed for maximum performance in either the northern or southern regions of the U.S.

Many factors affect the life of a battery:

• CLIMATE: Starting a vehicle or boat in colder climates tends to be hard on batteries. For that reason, many people put their vehicles or boats away for the season, but forget to properly charge their battery before doing so. Hotter climates tend to discharge and dry out batteries quicker and average climates tend to be the best for long battery life.
• USAGE: A battery that is used every day has the most chance of living a long life. Batteries that sit a lot, many times are neglected. This shortens overall life. Periodic charging is the best defense.
• APPLICATION: How well is the battery charged in the vehicle? Some vehicles have better charging systems than others. Are there a lot of extra accessories on your vehicle? Sometimes a battery has a hard time keeping up with additional electrical drains, thus wearing it out quicker.
• LACK OF CHARGING: Lack of proper charging is the main reason that a battery will not last as long as it should. At the very minimum, a battery should be charged once a month if left unused.
• COMPLETE DRAIN: Have you ever left your key on, and totally killed the battery? If recovered in a short time period, the battery should charge back to 100%. But every time this happens, it is similar to the battery having a "heart attack", and shortening its overall life. Always turn your vehicle off with the keyed ignition switch, not the "kill switch".

A battery only requires a little monthly maintenance to perform perfectly. Keep the battery charged to 100%, recharging when the lights dim, the starter sounds weak, or the battery hasn't been used in more than two weeks. Other than that, follow this simple checklist every month:

• Keep the top free of grime
• Check cables, clamps, and case for obvious damage or loose connections
• Clean terminals and connectors as necessary
• Replace caps firmly

If you have any doubts or questions about your battery's performance, bring it into Walmart and we will test it for you for free. (where available)

If the vehicle is in storage or used infrequently, disconnect the battery cable to eliminate drain from electrical equipment. Charge the battery every two weeks. For extended storage, remove the battery from the vehicle and charge to 100%. Charge the battery every month if stored at temperatures below 60° F. If stored in a warm area (above 60° F), charge every two weeks. Make sure batteries are stored out of reach of children.

Depending on the state you live in, if you do not bring in your old lead-acid battery to exchange when purchasing a new battery, you will be charged a core fee. The purpose of the fee is to encourage people to return old batteries for proper recycling, which helps protect the environment from hazardous materials in the batteries.

Cold Cranking Amps (CCA's) measure a battery’s ability to start an engine in cold temperatures. The higher the CCA rating, the greater the starting power of the battery.

Marine Cranking Amps (MCA's) is a rating that defines a marine battery’s ability to deliver a large amount of power for a short period of time. Since marine batteries are typically never used at temperatures below freezing, marine cranking amps are measured at 32° F as opposed to 0° F for cold cranking amps.

Reserve Capacity (RC) is how much electric charge (or energy) is stored in a battery. A battery with a higher RC rating can support electric devices longer before needing to be charged.

Repetitive Reserve Capacity (RRC) is the total number of times a battery is completely discharged and recharged until it is capable of less than half of its rated reserve capacity (RC).

Starting batteries are specifically designed to deliver sudden bursts of engine starting power. The engine’s charging system keeps the battery at capacity while boating. Starting batteries are not intended for low current draw electronics when the engine is not running.

Deep cycle batteries are designed to start your boat and power accessories when the engine is not running. Deep cycle describes the battery's ability to be deeply discharged before being recharged. This discharge/recharge process is known as completing a full cycle.

Many factors affect the life of a battery:

• CLIMATE: Starting a vehicle or boat in colder climates tends to be hard on batteries. For that reason, many people put their vehicles or boats away for the season, but forget to properly charge their battery before doing so. Hotter climates tend to discharge and dry out batteries quicker and average climates tend to be the best for long battery life.
• USAGE: A battery that is used every day has the most chance of living a long life. Batteries that sit a lot, many times are neglected. This shortens overall life. Periodic charging is the best defense.
• APPLICATION: How well is the battery charged in the vehicle? Some vehicles have better charging systems than others. Are there a lot of extra accessories on your vehicle? Sometimes a battery has a hard time keeping up with additional electrical drains, thus wearing it out quicker.
• LACK OF CHARGING: Lack of proper charging is the main reason that a battery will not last as long as it should. At the very minimum, a battery should be charged once a month if left unused.
• COMPLETE DRAIN: Have you ever left your key on, and totally killed the battery? If recovered in a short time period, the battery should charge back to 100%. But every time this happens, it is similar to the battery having a "heart attack", and shortening its overall life. Always turn your vehicle off with the keyed ignition switch, not the "kill switch".

A battery only requires a little monthly maintenance to perform perfectly. Keep the battery charged to 100%, recharging when the lights dim, the starter sounds weak, or the battery hasn't been used in more than two weeks. Other than that, follow this simple checklist every month:

• Keep the top free of grime
• Check cables, clamps, and case for obvious damage or loose connections
• Clean terminals and connectors as necessary
• Replace caps firmly

If you have any doubts or questions about your battery's performance, bring it into Walmart and we will test it for you for free. (where available)

If the vehicle is in storage or used infrequently, disconnect the battery cable to eliminate drain from electrical equipment. Charge the battery every two weeks. For extended storage, remove the battery from the vehicle and charge to 100%. Charge the battery every month if stored at temperatures below 60° F. If stored in a warm area (above 60° F), charge every two weeks. Make sure batteries are stored out of reach of children.

You can bring any lead-acid battery into Walmart and we will dispose of it for you at no charge. If you purchase a new battery during the same visit, you can also save on the core fee.

Depending on the state you live in, if you do not bring in your old lead-acid battery to exchange when purchasing a new battery, you will be charged a core fee. The purpose of the fee is to encourage people to return old batteries for proper recycling, which helps protect the environment from hazardous materials in the batteries.

Many factors affect the life of a battery:

• CLIMATE: Starting a vehicle or boat in colder climates tends to be hard on batteries. For that reason, many people put their vehicles or boats away for the season, but forget to properly charge their battery before doing so. Hotter climates tend to discharge and dry out batteries quicker and average climates tend to be the best for long battery life.
• USAGE: A battery that is used every day has the most chance of living a long life. Batteries that sit a lot, many times are neglected. This shortens overall life. Periodic charging is the best defense.
• APPLICATION: How well is the battery charged in the vehicle? Some vehicles have better charging systems than others. Are there a lot of extra accessories on your vehicle? Sometimes a battery has a hard time keeping up with additional electrical drains, thus wearing it out quicker.
• LACK OF CHARGING: Lack of proper charging is the main reason that a battery will not last as long as it should. At the very minimum, a battery should be charged once a month if left unused.
• COMPLETE DRAIN: Have you ever left your key on, and totally killed the battery? If recovered in a short time period, the battery should charge back to 100%. But every time this happens, it is similar to the battery having a "heart attack", and shortening its overall life. Always turn your vehicle off with the keyed ignition switch, not the "kill switch".

A battery only requires a little monthly maintenance to perform perfectly. Keep the battery charged to 100%, recharging when the lights dim, the starter sounds weak, or the battery hasn't been used in more than two weeks. Other than that, follow this simple checklist every month:

• Keep the top free of grime
• Check cables, clamps, and case for obvious damage or loose connections
• Clean terminals and connectors as necessary
• Replace caps firmly

If you have any doubts or questions about your battery's performance, bring it into Walmart and we will test it for you for free. (where available)

If the vehicle is in storage or used infrequently, disconnect the battery cable to eliminate drain from electrical equipment. Charge the battery every two weeks. For extended storage, remove the battery from the vehicle and charge to 100%. Charge the battery every month if stored at temperatures below 60° F. If stored in a warm area (above 60° F), charge every two weeks. Make sure batteries are stored out of reach of children.

You can bring any lead-acid battery into Walmart and we will dispose of it for you at no charge. If you purchase a new battery during the same visit, you can also save on the core fee.

Depending on the state you live in, if you do not bring in your old lead-acid battery to exchange when purchasing a new battery, you will be charged a core fee. The purpose of the fee is to encourage people to return old batteries for proper recycling, which helps protect the environment from hazardous materials in the batteries.

Many factors affect the life of a battery:

• CLIMATE: Starting a vehicle or boat in colder climates tends to be hard on batteries. For that reason, many people put their vehicles or boats away for the season, but forget to properly charge their battery before doing so. Hotter climates tend to discharge and dry out batteries quicker and average climates tend to be the best for long battery life.
• USAGE: A battery that is used every day has the most chance of living a long life. Batteries that sit a lot, many times are neglected. This shortens overall life. Periodic charging is the best defense.
• APPLICATION: How well is the battery charged in the vehicle? Some vehicles have better charging systems than others. Are there a lot of extra accessories on your vehicle? Sometimes a battery has a hard time keeping up with additional electrical drains, thus wearing it out quicker.
• LACK OF CHARGING: Lack of proper charging is the main reason that a battery will not last as long as it should. At the very minimum, a battery should be charged once a month if left unused.
• COMPLETE DRAIN: Have you ever left your key on, and totally killed the battery? If recovered in a short time period, the battery should charge back to 100%. But every time this happens, it is similar to the battery having a "heart attack", and shortening its overall life. Always turn your vehicle off with the keyed ignition switch, not the "kill switch".

A battery only requires a little monthly maintenance to perform perfectly. Keep the battery charged to 100%, recharging when the lights dim, the starter sounds weak, or the battery hasn't been used in more than two weeks. Other than that, follow this simple checklist every month:

• Keep the top free of grime
• Check cables, clamps, and case for obvious damage or loose connections
• Clean terminals and connectors as necessary
• Replace caps firmly

If you have any doubts or questions about your battery's performance, bring it into Walmart and we will test it for you for free. (where available)

If the vehicle is in storage or used infrequently, disconnect the battery cable to eliminate drain from electrical equipment. Charge the battery every two weeks. For extended storage, remove the battery from the vehicle and charge to 100%. Charge the battery every month if stored at temperatures below 60° F. If stored in a warm area (above 60° F), charge every two weeks. Make sure batteries are stored out of reach of children.

You can bring any lead-acid battery into Walmart and we will dispose of it for you at no charge. If you purchase a new battery during the same visit, you can also save on the core fee.

Depending on the state you live in, if you do not bring in your old lead-acid battery to exchange when purchasing a new battery, you will be charged a core fee. The purpose of the fee is to encourage people to return old batteries for proper recycling, which helps protect the environment from hazardous materials in the batteries.