Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning
• What you need

Many people have difficulty starting their car, one time or another. Sometimes trouble comes from the main parts of the vehicle. But many times, it is due to corrosion on the battery terminals. Learning how to clean corroded battery terminals will help you avoid unnecessary costs and worries.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Clean with baking soda

1. 

   Make sure your car is turned off. This will reduce the chance of the power cable accidentally grounding it.

2. 

   
   
   Determine the battery terminal size. There are two types:
   • If the terminals are on the sides of the battery, you will need to use an 8 mm wrench to loosen the two nuts.
   • If the terminal is on the side of the battery, you need to use a 10 mm or 13 mm spanner.

3. 

   
   
   Loosen the nut on the cable clip at the negative terminal (-). Remove this cable completely from the battery pile.
   • Repeat the above steps with the cable clamp at the positive (+) end. If you are having trouble removing any of the cables, try rotating and pulling them at the same time.

     

     
     

4. 

   Check that the battery is cracked, leading to a possible acid leak. If any signs are found, replace the battery.

5. 

   Check if the battery cable and clamp are torn. If large tears are found, replace them.

6. 

   Mix 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of baking soda in 1 cup of hot water (250 ml). Dip an old toothbrush in this mixture and scrub the tip of the battery to remove rust, corrosion.
   • You can even immerse the ends of the battery cables in hot water to remove corrosion marks on them.

7. 

   Use a toothbrush to clean the clamps and stakes of the battery. Make sure you soak the brush in the baking soda solution well enough.

8. 

   Wash the battery and cables with cold water. Make sure all baking soda and rust are washed off. Dry the battery and the clamps with a clean cloth.

9. 

   Lubricate all exposed metal surfaces on the battery poles, poles and clamps. Use commercially sold battery terminal protection lubricants or sprayers.

10. 

    Attach the positive (+) cable clip to the correct terminal. Use a spanner to tighten the nut.
    • Do the same with the negative clamp (-). Check the strength of the poles by gently rotating them with your hand.

      

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Method 2 of 2: Emergency cleaning

1. 

   Keep a pair of gloves and a properly sized wrench in the trunk or back seat of the vehicle.

2. 

   Use a loosen spanner each terminal. Do not remove the cables completely.

3. 

   Pour the coca onto the battery from the center out in one direction. Do this in the opposite direction.

4. 

   Let the coca soak for 2 minutes, then rinse with water. Tighten the terminals and try restarting the car. advertisement

Advice

• You can purchase a battery cleaning spray. Some aerosols have an acid-detecting ingredient in their formulations. They often save us time. However, you must read the instructions on the bottle as each has its own use.
• You can use a battery brush or sandpaper if the rust is too much to be treated with a toothbrush.

Warning

• Negative cables should always be disconnected first and rearranged to avoid arcing.
• Remove all jewelry before starting work. Rings and bracelets can become ground objects or become entangled in engine parts.
• Always wear protective gear.

What you need

• Safety glasses or safety glasses
• Latex or nitrile gloves
• Spanner: 8mm, 10mm, 13mm
• Toothbrush
• Baking soda
• Country
• Cup or bucket
• Battery pole brush (optional)
• Lubricating oil or a battery terminal protection spray