Cleaning Your Battery
*EASY*
During battery inspection, if white corrosion deposits are observed on the terminals or cable connections, you should clean the battery as follows:
- Disconnect the negative battery cable. First, loosen the clamp bolt with a wrench. Grab the clamp with battery pliers or a battery cable puller and pull it straight upward. Do not try to pry the clamp from the terminal with a screwdriver; it may crack the battery, damage the inside, or cause leakage. Similarly remove the positive cable.
- Clean the deposits from the terminals and cable clamps with a wire brush. Do not scrape them with a knife or similar tool. The metal parts are soft and could be distorted or damaged; they will not fit together properly afterwards.
- Prepare a mild solution of 1 cup water and 2 teaspoons baking soda. Use an old toothbrush dampened with the solution to scrub away any remaining corrosion. The solution will foam when applied.
- Wipe the battery clean with a wet sponge. Do not allow the baking soda solution to enter the battery cells because it will neutralize the acid within and weaken the battery. Avoid rinsing corrosion deposits onto any painted surface; it could be damaged.
- Reconnect the positive battery cable clamp to the positive terminal. Tighten the clamp bolt enough to prevent the clamp from twisting on the terminal post. Repeat the procedure for the negative battery cable clamp and negative terminal.
- Apply anti-corrosive grease or petroleum jelly to the metal surfaces of your battery's terminals and cable connectors. The grease or jelly will prevent future corrosion.
SYSTEMS
BATTERY
TESTING BATTERY STRENGTH
REPLACING YOUR BATTERY