Your battery terminals are corroded because the battery is leaking water or sulfuric acid. It could be leaking both. If you live in an area that has high humidity or salty air, such as near the ocean, this may also cause the battery terminals to corrode. Generally, if the terminals are corroded, this is a sign that you need a new battery. As such, clean the terminals and then come to our auto service shop.
Park Your Vehicle in Bright Light
Park your vehicle in a place where you have plenty of light. You want to be able to see the battery clearly. Set the parking brake and cut the engine. Make sure your vehicle is not going to roll. Pop the hood so you have access to the battery. Remove the battery cover if you have one.
Grab Your Cleaning Supplies
Next, grab the supplies you will need to clean the battery. Specifically, you need a pair of rubber gloves to protect your hands while you are working on the battery. In addition, you need
- Baking soda
- Distilled water
- Petroleum jelly
- A clean cloth
- A clean spray bottle
Grab a clean cup and mix the baking soda and distilled water until it is clear. Poor distilled water into the spray bottle, as well. Do not put baking soda in the spray bottle. Put your rubber gloves on.
Remove the Battery Cables
Now it’s time to remove the battery cables. Do this in this specific order. Remove the red (positive) cable first, and then remove the black (negative) cable next. Move the cables out of the way.
Clean the Battery Terminals
Use a clean cloth or grab an old toothbrush to dip into the cleaning solution. Scrub at the battery terminals until you have removed all of the corrosion. Check the cable connectors to see if they, too, are corroded. If they are, scrub them next until they are clean.
Grab another clean cloth and use the spray bottle filled with distilled water to rinse the battery terminals and cable connectors. Once they are completely clean, dry them.
Protect the Battery Terminals
Take your rubber gloves off and put a little bit of petroleum jelly on your finger. Rub it between your finger and thumb and then rub it onto the battery terminals.
Connect the Battery Cables
Finally, connect the battery cables back to the battery. This time, you will connect the negative cable first and then the positive cable.
As we mentioned above, a corroded battery is a sign of a dying battery. Bring your vehicle to our shop so we can replace the battery.