DIY: Battery Clean-Up

If your car’s battery has a buildup of corrosion on its terminals, it is time to give it a quick clean to get the electricity flowing again. It just takes a minute and costs next to nothing to do, here is what you need and how to do it.

What You Need

1. 2 tablespoons of baking soda.
2. An old toothbrush or scouring pad.
3. A wrench.
4. Some petroleum Jelly.

DIY Cleaning Method

Step 1: Remove the cables from the terminals using your wrench and set them aside to make some room.

Step 2: Pour a tablespoon of baking soda on each terminal. Baking soda will act to neutralize the acidic corrosion on the terminals and allow you to wipe away the build up.

Step 3: Using a wet toothbrush or scouring pad, give the terminals a quick scrub to help the baking soda do its voodoo.

Step 4: Thoroughly wipe down the terminals and the battery case. This is a good time to inspect the battery for any swelling or cracks (lots of reasons why that you can read right here.)

Step 5: Apply a bit of petroleum jelly or grease to the terminals. This will protects them from acid buildup and corrosion and will save you from having to do this again in the future.

Step 6: Reattach the cables to the battery using your wrench. Job done!