How to Clean Corroded Car Battery Terminals
Make sure your car is turned off., Determine the terminal configuration of your battery., Loosen the nut on the negative (-) cable clamp., Examine the battery for cracks that may be leaking acid., Check the battery cables and clamps for tears., Mix...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Make sure your car is turned off.
This will reduce the likelihood of accidentally grounding the cables. -
Step 2: Determine the terminal configuration of your battery.
There are two types.
If the terminals are on the side, you will need a 5/16-inch (8 mm) wrench to loosen both cable nuts.
If the terminals are on top of the battery, you will need either a 3/8-inch (10 mm) or 1/2-inch (13 mm) wrench. , Unfasten the cable from the post.
Do the same for the positive (+) cable.
If you have trouble removing either cable, attempt to twist them while pulling up at the same time. , If any are found, you need to replace the battery. , If a large rip is found, you may have to replace these parts. , Dip an old toothbrush into the mixture and scrub the top of the battery to remove corrosion buildup.
You can even dip the ends of the battery cables in hot water to dissolve any corrosion on the cable ends themselves. , Remember to soak your brush in the baking soda solution as much as needed. , Make sure all the baking soda and corrosion is washed away.
Dry the battery and clamps with a clean cloth. , Use petroleum jelly or a commercial battery terminal protection spray. , Tighten the nut with your wrench.
Repeat with the negative (-) clamp.
Test if terminals are tight enough by twisting each one by hand. -
Step 3: Loosen the nut on the negative (-) cable clamp.
-
Step 4: Examine the battery for cracks that may be leaking acid.
-
Step 5: Check the battery cables and clamps for tears.
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Step 6: Mix 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of baking soda with 1 cup (250 ml) of very hot water.
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Step 7: Use the toothbrush to scour the battery clamps and posts.
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Step 8: Rinse the battery and cables with cool water.
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Step 9: Lubricate all exposed metal on battery terminals
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Step 10: posts and clamps.
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Step 11: Reattach the positive (+) cable clamp to the proper terminal.
Detailed Guide
This will reduce the likelihood of accidentally grounding the cables.
There are two types.
If the terminals are on the side, you will need a 5/16-inch (8 mm) wrench to loosen both cable nuts.
If the terminals are on top of the battery, you will need either a 3/8-inch (10 mm) or 1/2-inch (13 mm) wrench. , Unfasten the cable from the post.
Do the same for the positive (+) cable.
If you have trouble removing either cable, attempt to twist them while pulling up at the same time. , If any are found, you need to replace the battery. , If a large rip is found, you may have to replace these parts. , Dip an old toothbrush into the mixture and scrub the top of the battery to remove corrosion buildup.
You can even dip the ends of the battery cables in hot water to dissolve any corrosion on the cable ends themselves. , Remember to soak your brush in the baking soda solution as much as needed. , Make sure all the baking soda and corrosion is washed away.
Dry the battery and clamps with a clean cloth. , Use petroleum jelly or a commercial battery terminal protection spray. , Tighten the nut with your wrench.
Repeat with the negative (-) clamp.
Test if terminals are tight enough by twisting each one by hand.
About the Author
Jose Freeman
Creates helpful guides on pet care to inspire and educate readers.
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