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We all have our car cleaning routines, but have you ever considered cleaning the parts under the hood? For instance, your battery can be prone to corrosive build-up on its terminals, and it can worsen to the point where you get no charge altogether. We recommend that you regularly clean your battery terminals to ensure your battery lasts longer and performs stronger! Below is our unbeatable method of cleaning your battery terminals.
What You'll Need
- Protective gloves
- Baking soda
- Water
- Old toothbrush
- Petroleum jelly
- Rag
STEP 1: Mix Up Your Cleaning Solution
Combine one tablespoon of baking soda in one cup of water, and stir it together until it's thoroughly mixed.
STEP 2: Undo the Cables
Before you do anything, please make sure your engine is off. It would be best if you separated the negative battery cable first then the positive. They are usually different colors, so be sure to refer to your owner's manual to be sure. Build-up, battery corrosion, and grime on the terminals can significantly impact your engine and battery performance. If you notice any leaks or swollenness, skip the cleaning and head to LightHouse Automotive right away!
STEP 3: Dip the Toothbrush Into the Cleaning Solution and Start Brushing!
Dip the old toothbrush in your baking soda cleaner, and start scrubbing the terminals. This procedure will take a little bit of elbow grease, and you'll need to rinse the toothbrush as you work.
STEP 4: Rinse and Dry
After you've removed all that gunk from the poles, give the battery a little rinse. You can use a spray bottle with a bit of water to rinse off the terminals. Another alternative would be a damp rag. Lastly, use a dry rag to finish it off.
STEP 5: Apply Petroleum Jelly Onto the Terminals and Reattach Cables
Once everything is dry, pat a touch of petroleum jelly onto the terminals. This will keep them lubricated, help prevent corrosion, and strengthen the connection. Once you put the positive and negative cables back in their place, you're all set!
Keeping your car battery clean should be a part of your maintenance routine if it isn't already! You need a solid connection to ensure your car starts and runs. If you require a battery test and are unsure whether you need a replacement altogether, our technicians would be happy to take a look for you. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Lighthouse Automotive today!