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
1. Make sure machine is turned off. This reduces chance of accidentally grounding cable wire
2. Define battery terminal structure. There are two types of battery terminals.
3. Loosen nut on negative (-) cable clamp. Release cable wires from clamps.
4. Check if battery is broken or leaking acid. If it is cracked and leaks acid, battery needs to be replaced.
5. Check if battery cable and cable clamp are broken. If gap is severe, part must be replaced.
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.
7. Clean clamps and battery terminals with a toothbrush. Note. Dip your toothbrush into baking soda solution as needed.
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.
9. Apply lubricant to exposed metal parts of battery terminals, terminals and clips. Use petroleum jelly or commercial spray to protect battery terminals.
10. Connect positive (+) cable to correct terminal. Tighten nut with a wrench.
emergency cleaning
1. Keep a pair of gloves and an appropriately sized wrench in trunk or back seat.
2. Slightly loosen each terminal with a wrench. Do not loosen cable completely.
3. Fill battery with Coke from center outwards. Then pour Coke in other direction in same way.
4. Let cola soak in for two minutes, then rinse with water. Try restarting car after tightening terminals.
Tips
Warning
You need to prepare