Cleaning Car Battery Terminals

A car that refuses to start due to problems like a failed starter can often be a pricey affair. However, at times, the problem with a hiccupping car can be quite simple - like a battery with corroded materials and gunk around the terminals. Now, if you open the hood of your car and examine the batteries, you can see the gooey substance, which is actually battery corrosion formed by acid condensation. In case such corrosion is impeding your car’s performance, it is time to clean your car battery terminals. Check out these tips on cleaning car battery terminals and get rid of the gunk around them.

Image: Phillip@flickr

How to Clean Car Battery Terminals

Things Required

Rubber Gloves
Stiff-bristled Brush
Screw Driver
Razor Blade
Electrical tape
Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda) or Cola

Instructions

First, wear good quality rubber gloves to prevent any form of acid injury. Open the car hood and detach the battery terminals from the battery.
Now, with the help of a bristled brush, rub off the battery terminals. Make sure to clean the ring terminal, both inside out. Carefully scratch the inside of the ring terminal, with the help of a screwdriver or a pointed tool.
Once you clean the terminals to a clean and shiny state, examine the wires leading into the battery terminals.
In case you notice any form of greenish or whitish powder under the sheathing of the copper wire strands, cut open the wire housing, approximately ½ inch from the top, with a razor blade.
Keep cutting until you see shiny copper. Now, carefully cut any corroded wire you notice. Check that you leave enough length so that the wire easily reaches the terminal.
Next, use an electrical tape to stick down the wire. In case you fail to do so, you may need to get hold of a new cable.
Finally, make a solution of baking soda and water, and pour it over the terminals. You can also use a can of soda for the same. It will clean the gunk around the terminals and help them secure a better connection with the battery.

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