Close up of corrosion on a car battery

What to Do to Clean Corrosion Off a Automobile Battery

Is your vehicle having a hard time starting up? Are your headlights dim? Chances are, you accept a battery problem on your hands. When you open the hood to look at it, bank check for a flaky white or blueish substance on your car battery. This substance, called corrosion, will form on the bombardment terminals over time due to the chemic structure of the bombardment. While a little probable won't do whatsoever damage, a lot can cake the electrical current and cause headaches for drivers. Of course, it'south dangerous to try to clean corrosion without knowing how to safely. If you are uncomfortable with removing the corrosion yourself, visit your local mechanic for help. Otherwise, follow our step by step guide below on how to safely clean corrosion off a car bombardment last.

[ READ MORE: Signs of a Failing Automobile Battery ]

Step past Stride Guide on Removing Corrosion from a Auto Battery Safely

  1. Turn off the engine. This is for your safety. If your engine was running for a while, look for it to absurd before popping the hood.
  2. Disconnect the bombardment with the negative terminal first. Use a wrench to disconnect the negative final and avoid letting the wrench come into contact with the positive side as it may shock yous. Do the same for the positive final.
  3. Check for impairment to the battery. If yous notice any cracks, dents, or warping with your battery, cleaning the corrosion may non do you whatever skilful. It's fourth dimension to shop for a replacement.
  4. Thoroughly mix a tablespoon of blistering soda with a loving cup of hot water. With an sometime toothbrush, dip you brush into this solution and scrub at the corrosion. If the corrosion is too difficult to remove, consider ownership a battery terminal cleaner castor.
  5. Completely dry the battery. Water and electricity don't mix well, so brand sure the battery and its terminals are completely dry out earlier reassembling it.
  6. Supervene upon the clamps starting with the positive terminal. This pace is the contrary of step ii. Start with the positive side so move to the negative. Don't forget to watch where your wrench is moving.
  7. Get-go up your vehicle and brand sure it starts up ordinarily. If not, you will demand to buy a replacement. If it does start up fine, consider getting your bombardment tested. Chances are, if it built up a bunch of corrosion, information technology is starting to get quondam and you lot should be enlightened of how long your battery may continue to last.

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Close up of a car battery

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