Car battery

bouicca21

Inner Zone, I wasn't at all upset. I expect a little harmless banter when revealing the total depth of my ignorance!

fivetide

Inner_Zone wrote: »

If you bothered to read my post you would have seen it was a harmless jest. And I had tried to help the OP in this thread unlike yourself.

I clearly did read your post, no need to get upset. The OP is worried about doing this is all and there is a time for poking fun and a time to just ignore wee typos.

In the situation, I don't think it came across as you intended, but, as the OP is fine with it that's ok.

:beer:

bouicca21

Ok here is my next stupid question. I've got the bonnet open, have worked out what to unscrew with my 10 mm spanner, and was feeling really pleased with myself until I realised that I needed another spanner (13 mm I think) to undo the thingammyjig that holds the battery to the car. The screw/bolt whatever you call it is in an awkward position so I think I need to buy a spanner that can be used at a 90 degree angle and is probably about 6 inches (well that's what the Youtube man estimates) deep.

Does this sort of spanner have a special name? I'm quite prepared to trip into Halfords and look like an idiot, but I'd like to be moderately certain I'm buying the right thing.

ILW

Socket set probably.

mad_rich

You'll need a socket set, and an extension bar.

I've bought this socket set from Halfords, which gets good reviews:

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_525109_langId_-1_categoryId_255215

The thing on the left middle is an extension bar, but it may not be long enough for what you need. You could look for a kit that includes a longer extension bar, or buy one separately.

I've just bought a cheapo one from ebay.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150759767606?var=450065789682&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

Not used it yet, but it seems solid enough for the price.

To get around corners, you need a universal joint:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/180836914427?var=480075540733&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

(Again, others are available.)

When buying, bear in mind that there are three common sizes of drive, 3/8", 1/4" and 1/2". (This is the size of the ratchet that fits in the socket). You need to make sure any accessories you buy are the same size as the socket set you've bought. The Halfords one I linked to is 3/8"

If you don't want to buy, I imagine a friend or neighbour would be able to lend you one.

ILW

Or call AA out, if they say battery is knackered, say great I have one here.

reddwarf2002

ILW wrote: »

Or call AA out, if they say battery is knackered, say great I have one here.

AA no longer fit batteries unless you buy from them during the call out. This is what a family member was told on a recent 'breakdown'.

Richard53

You could go to Halfords and get a socket set and all the additional bits (and if you do, 3/8" is a handy size for most small jobs on a car), but that seems a bit like overkill if all you want is to change the battery. You have your 10 mm spanner, so that's half the tools already Don't you have a neighbour who could be persuaded to have a look at it and lend you the right tools for half an hour? Blokes love to feel needed (hope that's not another gender stereotype).

If you anticipate doing anything like this in the future, then buying a Haynes manual for the car is a very good investment. You won't need 90% of it, probably, but the sections on basic maintenance are usually very good and well laid-out with photos etc. If I get a new-to-me bike or car, a Haynes manual is the first thing I buy.

forgotmyname

Is the battery flat because the battery is old and knackered or because the alternator is not charging it? Or even a bit of both.

Find that out before replacing the battery. Find a local car shop and they will replace it for you. Not halfords who are very expensive for batteries and will charge you extra to fit them.

I bought some wipers from my local shop, He mumbled back in a sec and went off with them. I thought he was checking the codes or sizes. Nope he was outside in the rain fitting them. And didnt charge me a penny extra.

I think we have forgotten what proper service is like.

bouicca21

Update. I now possess a shiny new socket set - and the old battery is out. I decided not to carry it a mile or so to the nearest euro car parts branch so have ordered a new one to be delivered in the next few days. I am working on the principle that if I could get the old one out, I can put the new one in. I'm hoping that that greasy stuff on the contacts is plain old vaseline...

Thanks to everyone for all the advice. I possibly should have said that I am in temporary accommodation until my house sells and I can relocate properly, so don't know the neighbours too well. And the last thing I want to do is ask my ex husband for help. I need to learn how to be independent - and you lot may think that changing a battery is no big deal but it is to me and I am so pleased to have learned a new skill! Your willingness to spend time helping me is very much appreciated.