Many drivers have difficulty starting their car. A car that won't start can sometimes be caused by a critical component failure, but more often than not, it's caused by a buildup of rust on battery terminals. Learn how to clean rusted car battery terminals to avoid unnecessary expense and frustration.
Baking soda cleaning![Car care: how to clean rusty car battery terminals?](https://www.thelower5th.com/images/blogs/18899d3d034/0.jpg)
1. Make sure machine is turned off. This reduces chance of accidentally grounding cable wire
![Car care: how to clean rusty car battery terminals?](https://www.thelower5th.com/images/blogs/18899d3d034/1.jpg)
2. Define battery terminal structure. There are two types of battery terminals.
![Car care: how to clean rusty car battery terminals?](https://www.thelower5th.com/images/blogs/18899d3d034/2.jpg)
3. Loosen nut on negative (-) cable clamp. Release cable wires from clamps.
![Car care: how to clean rusty car battery terminals?](https://www.thelower5th.com/images/blogs/18899d3d034/3.jpg)
![Car care: how to clean rusty car battery terminals?](https://www.thelower5th.com/images/blogs/18899d3d034/4.jpg)
4. Check if battery is broken or leaking acid. If it is cracked and leaks acid, battery needs to be replaced.
![Car care: how to clean rusty car battery terminals?](https://www.thelower5th.com/images/blogs/18899d3d034/5.jpg)
5. Check if battery cable and cable clamp are broken. If gap is severe, part must be replaced.
![Car care: how to clean rusty car battery terminals?](https://www.thelower5th.com/images/blogs/18899d3d034/6.jpg)
6. Mix 1 scoop (15 ml) of baking soda with 1 cup (250 ml) of very hot water. With an old toothbrush dipped in solution, scrub top of battery to remove any remaining rust.
![Car care: how to clean rusty car battery terminals?](https://www.thelower5th.com/images/blogs/18899d3d034/7.jpg)
7. Clean clamps and battery terminals with a toothbrush. Note. Dip your toothbrush into baking soda solution as needed.
![Car care: how to clean rusty car battery terminals?](https://www.thelower5th.com/images/blogs/18899d3d034/8.jpg)
8. Rinse battery and cables with cold water. Be sure to wash off all baking soda and rust. Dry battery and secure it with a clean cloth.
![Car care: how to clean rusty car battery terminals?](https://www.thelower5th.com/images/blogs/18899d3d034/9.jpg)
9. Apply lubricant to exposed metal parts of battery terminals, terminals and clips. Use petroleum jelly or commercial spray to protect battery terminals.
![Car care: how to clean rusty car battery terminals?](https://www.thelower5th.com/images/blogs/18899d3d034/10.jpg)
10. Connect positive (+) cable to correct terminal. Tighten nut with a wrench.
![Car care: how to clean rusty car battery terminals?](https://www.thelower5th.com/images/blogs/18899d3d034/11.jpg)
![Car care: how to clean rusty car battery terminals?](https://www.thelower5th.com/images/blogs/18899d3d034/12.jpg)
1. Keep a pair of gloves and an appropriately sized wrench in trunk or back seat.
![Car care: how to clean rusty car battery terminals?](https://www.thelower5th.com/images/blogs/18899d3d034/13.jpg)
2. Slightly loosen each terminal with a wrench. Do not loosen cable completely.
![Car care: how to clean rusty car battery terminals?](https://www.thelower5th.com/images/blogs/18899d3d034/14.jpg)
3. Fill battery with Coke from center outwards. Then pour Coke in other direction in same way.
![Car care: how to clean rusty car battery terminals?](https://www.thelower5th.com/images/blogs/18899d3d034/15.jpg)
4. Let cola soak in for two minutes, then rinse with water. Try restarting car after tightening terminals.
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