Sometimes trouble starting your vehicle is a sign that the battery needs replacing, but often this frustrating situation is actually caused by buildup on the battery terminals. Avoid unnecessary expenses, worry, and trips to the auto repair shop by cleaning your vehicle’s battery terminals. By doing so, you can actually help the battery perform stronger, longer.
Step 1: Mix your homemade battery cleaner. To do so, combine one tablespoon of baking soda into one cup of water and stir until mixed.
Step 2: Disconnect the cables from the battery. First, make sure the car isn’t running and then undo the negative and then positive cable attached to your battery. Once that is complete, assess your battery for buildup, corrosion, and grime.
Step 3: Start scrubbing. Using an old toothbrush, dip it into the baking soda cleaner and start scrubbing the terminals. Be sure you’re rinsing the toothbrush regularly as you work. Clean the terminals thoroughly until all of the buildup has been removed.
Step 4: Rinse off the cleaning residue and the battery. After you’ve removed all of the corrosion and dirt from the terminals, give the battery a rinse. You can use a spray bottle with water to spray both the battery and terminals. If you don’t have a spray bottle, you can wipe everything down with a damp rag. Then, use another cloth to dry the terminals completely.
Step 5: Reattach the cables. Once the terminals are dry, you can apply a small amount of petroleum jelly on them. This will lubricate them, help prevent further corrosion, and help strengthen the connection. Finally, reattach the positive and negative cables, and you’re finished.
Keeping your vehicle battery clean can help prolong the life of car batteries in Winter Garden, FL. Stop by Millikan Battery and Electric LLC., if the battery is still giving you trouble after cleaning. We’ll replace your battery if needed and get you back on the road with peace of mind.
