Lifestyle

Here’s How to Change Your Car Battery Safely

Published

4 years ago

March 6, 2020

While it is true that sometimes you will need to take your car to a garage for certain maintenance tasks, often you will find that you can do it yourself which can be a great way to make big savings – you also get a great deal of satisfaction completing the work yourself too. Changing the car battery might seem like a major job but it is actually one of the more straightforward maintenance tasks to complete – read on to find out how.

Locating the Battery

First, you need to find the battery which you can do by looking in the owner’s manual but is usually under the hood in a corner of the engine bay. Sometimes there will be a case covering the battery which can be easy to remove with a spanner from somewhere like RS Components.

Disconnecting the Terminals

Next, you will want to disconnect the terminals which is a simple task. Similar to the common household batteries that you use, there is a positive and negative terminal connecting to the car. You can normally release the battery with a quick-release clamp and you should disconnect the negative (-) terminal end first while making sure that the wrench (if required) never touches both terminals at the same time. Do the same with the positive (+) terminal.

Removing the Battery

To remove the battery once disconnected from the terminal, you will need to use a socket wrench to undo the strap or metal plate holding the battery in place and then lift the battery out (keep in mind that they can be heavy).

Installing the New Battery

Carefully position the new battery in place and tighten then strap or metal plate to secure it. Connect the positive terminal first this time (while making sure that the wrench does not come into contact with metal) and repeat for the negative terminal. It is then simply a case of making sure that everything is tight (but not too tight), double-checking that you have left no tools in the engine bay, closing the hood and testing your new battery by starting the car. Sometimes, replacing the battery will reset the car stereo so make sure that you know the code before starting.

Follow these steps to safely replace your car’s current battery. This is a task that sounds more intimidating and complex than it actually is and completing the work yourself will save you a tidy sum while giving you immense satisfaction knowing that you have done the work yourself.

Lifestyle

Veterans Care Coordination Outlines 10 Ways to Honor Senior Service Members

Published

2 days ago

April 25, 2024

Michelle Langton

Honoring senior veterans is a meaningful way to acknowledge their service and sacrifices for the country.While there are many different ways to honor those who have served their country, Veterans Care Coordination (VCC) – a company that helps senior Veterans apply for home care services, has outlined 10 of the most effective ways to show appreciation and respect to older servicemembers in our communities.

1. Attend Veteran Ceremonies and Events: Participate in local veteran ceremonies, parades, and events, especially on days like Veterans Day and Memorial Day. Your presence demonstrates respect and recognition for their contributions.

2. Volunteer for Veteran Organizations: Many organizations that support veterans need volunteers. Offer your time to help with events, administrative tasks, or outreach programs that benefit senior veterans.

3. Visit Veteran Homes and Hospitals: Spend time with veterans in homes and hospitals. Many senior veterans, especially those in long-term care, appreciate visits and the opportunity to share their stories.

4. Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the history, challenges, and contributions of veterans. Educate others by organizing or participating in community talks, school projects, or social media campaigns.

5. Support Veteran-Owned Businesses: Patronize businesses owned by veterans. This economic support helps veteran entrepreneurs and shows appreciation for their continued contributions to the community.

6. Create a Community Project: Initiate projects that specifically benefit senior veterans, such as building wheelchair ramps for disabled veterans or organizing social events that cater to their interests and needs.

7. Offer Your Skills and Services: If you have special skills or services, offer them to senior veterans. This could include legal advice, home repairs, medical care, or technological assistance.

8. Donate to Veteran Charities: Financial contributions to reputable organizations supporting veterans can make a significant impact. These donations often go toward programs that improve the quality of life for senior veterans.

9. Write Letters or Cards: Sending personalized letters, cards, or care packages to Senior veterans, particularly those without close family, can brighten their day and make them feel valued and remembered.

10. Advocate for Veteran Rights and Benefits: Be an advocate for veteran rights and benefits, ensuring they receive the support and recognition they deserve. This can involve supporting legislation, participating in advocacy groups, or simply spreading awareness of the issues facing senior veterans.

By implementing these actions, individuals and communities can honor senior veterans in meaningful ways, showing gratitude for their service and ensuring they are respected and remembered.