Cleaning the Battery Terminals in the Car

Certain parts of the car can often have a build-up of residues that can lead to that part malfunctioning. These residues need to be removed; otherwise, they can lead to catastrophic results. Corrosion is a common problem that occurs in cars. Corrosion severely decreases the functioning of the parts where it occurs. Battery terminals are highly susceptible to corrosion. However, it is interesting to note that everyday items can be used efficiently to clean the terminals off the residue! Let us discover how.

Corrosion of battery terminals

Often, people notice a white residue around battery terminals in cars. That residue is a result of corrosion. The most common reason for corrosion is overcharging (mostly of the positive terminal).

Items needed

The required items include a toothbrush, water, baking soda, steel wool, any piece of cloth for drying, and petroleum jelly.

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How to go about cleaning the terminals

Even though the process is quite simple, the proper technique should be used to carry out the cleaning process:

• Since the main motive is to touch the battery, the car should be turned off. This is mainly for safety purposes.
• A wrench would be needed for the next step. The terminals need to be removed from the battery. First, the order is to take out the negative terminal and then the positive terminal.
• One of the useful things to do apart from cleaning the terminals is to look at the battery. Check for any damages. If there are bulges or cracks on the battery, the advisable thing is to replace the battery entirely.
• There will be a white substance that can be seen on the terminals and the cable clamps. That is what needs to be cleaned. The materials listed above should be kept ready for cleaning to begin.
• Take a small dish. Take some baking soda and mix a small amount of water with the soda. Mix it until a paste is formed. Use the toothbrush to apply the paste onto the clamps and the terminals. Scrub hard until the white residue disappears. The steel wool can be used for scrubbing as well. Special attention should be given to the insides of the clamp to ensure the connection is rigid.

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• After the residue has been removed, use the piece of cloth to dry out the terminals and the clamps.
• Use petroleum jelly. Apply the jelly on the terminals and the clamps. That would prevent any further corrosion from occurring.
• Reconnect the terminals to the battery now. First, connect the positive terminal and then the negative terminal.

By following the simple steps mentioned above, it is extremely easy for car owners to ensure that the battery is functioning properly at any given point in time.