How to Clean Car Battery corrosion - Quick and Easy

Last Updated on December 11, 2022 by

The main cause of battery performance and life reduction is corrosion of the battery. A corroded battery can have multiple effects on your vehicle, from preventing you from starting – something you may not want while headed out for work – to causing electrical and air conditioning damage.

There are many ways to detect corrosion on a car battery. When your vehicle’s battery terminals, battery posts, or battery cables become white, green, or blue-tinged, it usually indicates that the battery is aging. By accumulating chemical garbage inside the battery, it reduces its conduciveness, which results in a transient current flow, which can lead to the battery malfunctioning due to an increase in electrical resistance.

You can extend the battery life and performance of your vehicle by keeping the battery-free from corrosion. Fear not, however! Anyone can clean corrosion from batteries, and the process is straightforward and easy. It can be done by anyone. There are six easy steps to follow to clean corrosion from car batteries.

Make sure your batteries are disconnected

To avoid the risk of being seriously burned by electricity, disconnect the negative battery cable PRIOR to disconnecting the positive battery cable. Cables marked as positive are marked by the positive sign (+), the abbreviation POS, and / or the color red. Cables marked as negative are marked with the negative sign (-), the abbreviation NEG, and / or the color black.

Batteries should be checked for damage to the cables

Engines that do not start are often the result of damaged or worn battery cables. The following symptoms indicate that the insulation of the cables should be replaced immediately: corrosion, fraying, splintering, pealing, drying, and cracking.

Clean the Battery and Batteries Terminals of corrosion

Following the removal of the cables, you can begin removing the battery corrosion and neutralizing it. In this step, we’ll discuss the most effective ways to accomplish the task.

  • You should apply a battery cleaning agent to corroded battery cables and batteries. A commercial-grade cleaner would be best. The battery acid will also be neutralized, as well as the corrosion will be removed from the battery. It is possible to use a cleaning solution such as baking soda or Coca-Cola instead if you cannot afford commercial-grade cleaners. The beverage contains synthetic sugars and phosphoric acid, which can greatly affect your engine, so be careful when using Coca-Cola, as some swear by it as an effective and inexpensive method.
  • Baking soda, on the other hand, is straightforward and tried and true. Simply mix 1 tbsp of baking soda with 1 cup of water. Apply the solution to the corroded areas with a toothbrush or bristled brush. Baking soda should be applied to corroded parts and terminals. Water should then be sprinkled on each terminal. As soon as they start bubbling, you’ll see the two ingredients reacting. By neutralizing the acid, you can safely handle it. Also, neutralize the ends of the battery cables if necessary.

Wash and Dry

Afterward, you will need to scrub the corrosion with a toothbrush or bristled brush. Ensure that neither the solution nor the corrosive elements fall onto other parts of the engine to avoid any potential damage. We recommend removing the battery to prevent any damage from occurring.

Using professional-grade cleaning supplies can lead to permanent paint damage. Be warned that some cleaning agents may stain your vehicle’s paint if they come in contact with your paint. Once you’ve removed all the corrosion, wash your cable ends and battery well with clean water and let them dry. You can speed things up by using an air compressor.

Prevent corrosion by taking some measures

Once everything dries, apply anti-corrosion pads. A battery terminal protector also called a battery terminal shield protects your battery posts. Apply pads coated with corrosion-resistant material.

Once the battery terminals have been dried off, you can apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly. Consequently, the terminal and cable end will be more conducive to electric current. Additionally, the terminals will be better protected from corrosion in the future.

Read More: How To Clean Carpet Without A Machine? A Comprehensive Guide

Vehicle Battery Connected                                 

In order to reconnect your car to your battery, you need to remove corrosion (step 3), let all parts dry completely, and apply preservatives to them.

To avoid injury, turn in the opposite direction. Connect the positive battery terminal first, then the negative one. If you’d like to apply additional corrosion-prevention compounds at this point, feel free! Maintenance tasks like removing corrosion from car batteries are critical. Your battery’s lifespan will be extended by keeping it clean, and it will perform better.

Other easy steps:

Depending on the severity of the corrosion, baking soda-water paste can be left in place for a few minutes to dissolve it. Additionally, some use Coca-Cola in place of baking soda for cleaning. This trick is basically accomplished with carbonated water. Baking soda in water and carbonated water are basically the same. There should be no problem finding one of the two in your kitchen or pantry to start cleaning your battery corrosion since both items are commonly found there. Become the battery cleaner today! Afterward, you’ll notice a faster starting and better-charging performance.

Check your battery periodically for corrosion and other damage in order to maximize its life and ensure optimal driving. Usually, batteries last between 2.5 and 5 years. There are a number of factors that determine how long your car will last, including its use and its exposure to extreme temperatures. Take care of your battery now! Your battery’s charging will be improved as well as the starting. Do you need a battery supplier you can trust? Get your car batteries from Power-train Battery Co.

Apply baking soda to the whole corrosion-affected region. The battery acid will be reacted by doing this. Add a tiny amount of water to activate the baking soda and trigger a chemical process that will eliminate the corrosion. Use a paper towel to wipe and dry the area, then a scrub sponge to remove any leftover grime.

How should automobile battery terminals be cleaned?

Apply baking soda to the damaged areas, including the battery connections, using about a teaspoon or more as needed. Apply a tiny quantity of water to each terminal, then scrape the corrosion away with your brush. The ideal tool is a steel wire brush, but with a bit of elbow grease, an ordinary toothbrush will also work.