BERLIN: Cars are getting smarter and smarter. While this is generally a good thing, making roads safer than ever, there are of course some downsides. One of them is that drivers can't really replace their car batteries themselves anymore - modern cars require a professional.
Car batteries should be changed out every few years, even if you do take good care of them, according to the ADAC motoring association.
Nowadays, it's best to go to a professional. With modern cars, knowing which 12-volt starter battery is the right one, and installing it for that matter, is not a straightforward task.
Electronic components such as vehicle assistance systems make things complex. Some battery management systems even require the new battery to be trained with special equipment. Moreover, radios, alarm systems or other systems could lose their settings and have to be reset.
That's why the ADAC advises going to a professional unless you're the most experienced of mechanics. If you insist on doing it on your own, be sure to read the owner's manual carefully - among other reasons, because you'll need to know specific information about the type, size and specs of the replacement battery when you're at the store.
