Some cars have spare tools (jack, sockets, wrench, etc.) for emergency in the trunk, so if you don’t have any tools of your own, I’d suggest checking there first
If you’re remotely handy and you can see the battery under the hood, a basic tool set will be all you need. Some small wrench or socket to loosen the terminals and you’ll have to figure out the hold down clamp or bracket that keeps the battery in place while the car is moving. If the terminals are cruddy with corrosion, a wire brush and some baking soda//water to clean them up. They make special terminal cleaning brushes you can get at harbor freight for a few bucks.
YouTube is your friend here, look up a how to video.
As others have said, Costco has great batteries at a good price. Be aware that they have a core charge that gets refunded when you bring the old battery back.
All that said, if you’re poor or like to live dangerously, if the car still starts, the battery is fine. Just know that one day it will no longer be fine and that might be an inconvenient time for the car to not start.
If I decided to replace the car battery myself, would I need any tools besides gloves?
Some cars have spare tools (jack, sockets, wrench, etc.) for emergency in the trunk, so if you don’t have any tools of your own, I’d suggest checking there first
If you’re remotely handy and you can see the battery under the hood, a basic tool set will be all you need. Some small wrench or socket to loosen the terminals and you’ll have to figure out the hold down clamp or bracket that keeps the battery in place while the car is moving. If the terminals are cruddy with corrosion, a wire brush and some baking soda//water to clean them up. They make special terminal cleaning brushes you can get at harbor freight for a few bucks.
YouTube is your friend here, look up a how to video.
As others have said, Costco has great batteries at a good price. Be aware that they have a core charge that gets refunded when you bring the old battery back.
All that said, if you’re poor or like to live dangerously, if the car still starts, the battery is fine. Just know that one day it will no longer be fine and that might be an inconvenient time for the car to not start.