Regularly inspecting and cleaning your battery terminals will ensure it lasts you a long time. Otherwise, corrosion can eat away the battery life and necessitate a premature battery replacement. Fortunately, you can clean your battery connection points right from your driveway. Here are the six steps on how to clean your battery:
Step 1: Find the Battery
Most car batteries are located under the hood, with the exception of a few being in the trunk. It is a square-like structure that you can't miss. If you have difficulty finding it, you can always refer to your owner's manual.
Step 2: Remove the Terminal Covering
The terminals on a battery are typically protected by a plastic or rubber covering. You must remove them to access the connection points. At this point, we recommend putting on a pair of gloves so that you don't get corrosion on your fingers.
Step 3: Disconnect the Battery
Remove the clamps that are held by nuts and bolts. Start with the negative one first, then the positive one after.
Step 4: Make Your Cleaning Agent
Most people choose baking soda to clean their battery terminals because of its powerful properties. You can mix 2 tbsp of baking soda with equal amounts of water to create a paste-like cleaning solution. Using a toothbrush, apply the mixture to the terminals. You might hear a sizzling chemical reaction as the solution breaks down the corrosion.
Step 5: Rinse and Dry
When the terminals are free of corrosion, use a spray bottle of water to rinse the grime off. Then, use a rag to dry each connection point.
Step 6: Reconnect the Clamps
Start by reconnecting the positive clamp first, followed by the negative. Then fasten the terminal covers. Lastly, ensure your battery and any wires are secured in place.
If your battery has any reoccurring issues, we welcome you to bring your car to Nortex Lube & Tune for a battery test. Our certified technicians can assist you with battery maintenance and replace your battery if needed.