Although your vehicle battery requires less maintenance than your engine or brakes, doesn’t mean you should neglect it completely. Most drivers forget to clean their battery terminals. It is not until they have starting problems and come to open their hood, that they find that the battery is completely corroded.
Over time, your car battery can have corrosion around its terminals. By cleaning the connection area, you can better the performance of your battery and extend its lifespan. Cleaning your battery is simple, and it can be done with items you have lying around the house!
What to Grab
Gloves
Baking Soda
Water
Rag
Toothbrush
Petroleum Jelly
Steps
- Step 1 - Combine 1 tbsp of baking soda with a cup of water, and stir until they are mixed.
- Step 2 - Open the trunk, locate the battery, and undo the cables. Inspect the battery to assess what areas need to be cleaned. Plus, check for signs of leaks or swelling. If so, you should skip cleaning and head to your trusted auto repair shop.
- Step 3 - Apply the cleaning solution and scrub the terminals until all the buildup is gone.
- Step 4 - Rince everything off with water. A spray bottle works great! If you don’t have one, a damp rag works too. Follow up with a dry cloth.
- Step 5 - Dab a small dollop of petroleum jelly onto the terminals. This will help prevent further corrosion.
- Step 6 - Reattach the cables and tuck everything tightly.
We hope these tips help keep your battery clean this summer. If you need a battery test or battery replacement, look no further than BG Automotive.