Who else has lifted their hood at one point or another and been surprised by the amount of corrosion they saw? Most people will agree, and the ones that don’t may not be checking their hoods enough. This isn’t something to be ashamed of, as many of us focus on the exterior and interior of the car and may push off under hood maintenance.
While corrosion can be caused by normal wear and tear, a corroded battery can lead to reduced battery life and even electrical problems, so it shouldn’t be avoided for long periods of time.
That’s why we’re going to tell you exactly how to clean corrosion off a car battery, which will probably be much simpler than you’d expect.
Remove Car Battery Corrosion in 7 Simple Steps
1. Disconnect the battery
The first step is super important in guaranteeing a safe process. Turn off your car’s engine and remove the keys from the ignition. Locate the negative (-) terminal and disconnect it by loosening the nut with a wrench. Then, disconnect the positive (+) terminal in the same manner.
2. Remove loose corrosion
Now check the battery terminals and cables for any loose corrosion and gently scrub away the buildup using a wire brush. Be cautious not to apply excessive force that could damage the terminals or cables.
3. Make a cleaning solution
Mix a solution of baking soda and water. For every tablespoon of baking soda, use one cup of water. Stir the mixture until the baking soda dissolves completely. Baking soda works as a great cleaning solution, as it helps neutralize the acid and loosen the corrosion, making it easier to clean.
How to clean car battery corrosion without baking soda
If you don’t have baking soda on hand, that’s okay! You can use a household acid, such as vinegar or lemon juice, to get the job done. There are also spray bottle solutions that you can find at your local grocery store that are made specifically for your car’s battery.
4. Clean the terminals
Dip an old toothbrush or a small brush into the solution and scrub the battery terminals and cables thoroughly. Focus on areas with visible corrosion.
5. Rinse with water
Once you’ve scrubbed the terminals and cables, use a spray bottle or a sponge soaked in clean water to rinse off the baking soda solution. Ensure that no baking soda residue remains, as it could cause further corrosion if left on the terminals.
6. Dry the battery
Use a clean cloth or towel to dry the battery terminals and cables. Make sure they are completely dry before reconnecting them to avoid any electrical issues.
7. Reconnect the battery
Start by reconnecting the positive (+) terminal and tightening the nut with a wrench. Then, connect the negative (-) terminal in the same manner. Make sure the connections are secure and tight.
*Bonus step:
You now have a clean battery, but you can take it up a notch by adding this extra step to prevent future problems. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or terminal grease to the battery terminals for a protective barrier against moisture and corrosion.
Keep Your Car in Great Condition with Rinzer Wash
At Rinzer Wash, our biggest concern is that you have a car that looks great and runs even better. That’s why we offer detailing services that focus on improving your car’s appearance while helping it stay protected for future adventures. All you have to do is book a wash, and we’ll come to your home or office at the time that works best for you.
We also offer valuable tips to help all car lovers out there better maintain their rides. Aside from learning how to clean corrosion off of a car battery, we explore various other car maintenance topics for new and long-time car owners. To stay up-to-date on the latest tips, check out our blog and follow us on social media.
