Cleaning a car body and car parts are common habits among car owners but cleaning car under hood is a different story especially in the electrical aspect like battery terminals, sometimes because of the complexity.
Showing less or no concern can make the battery terminals to suffer from corrosion.
By cleaning the battery terminals, you can keep your battery healthy and extend its lifespan. We’re here to guide you through the battery terminal cleaning process.
How to clean battery terminals
The process only requires a few simple tools/items and a lot of patience. Learn how to clean the battery terminals in your vehicle by following these simple steps:
Inspect the condition
The first and main step in cleaning the battery terminals is to inspect the battery’s condition by lifting the car’s hood. It is not necessary to remove the battery from the car for this.
Locate where the battery is under the hood of the car, usually in the front left side beside engine block. Look for any visible cracks or signs of battery acid leakage on the battery. If there is a crack in the battery casing, replace the battery immediately. If there are no such problems, clean the terminals.
Check the cables and clamps
Lift the plastic covers to reveal the battery terminals and clamp interface. Inspect the cables and battery clamps to assess the level of corrosion. If there is a white, ashy substance around any of the battery terminals, it indicates corrosion.
For terminals with slight corrosion, continue with the remaining steps. For a high level of rust or damage, replace the clamps or cables to avoid any problems.
Clean the corroded terminals
This step involves cleaning the corroded battery terminals. Disconnect the negative and positive battery clamps before cleaning the terminal.
Use a wrench to loosen the clamp nuts. Then, remove the negative clamp first. Only then should you remove the positive clamp. If you have difficulty removing the clamps due to excessive corrosion, use pliers. In this case, do not touch the car’s chassis or the battery while working to avoid a short circuit.
Combine 2 to 3 teaspoons of baking soda with (15 ml) 1 tablespoon of distilled water in a small bowl to clean the battery terminals. Mix the ingredients until all the pieces of baking soda dissolve completely to form a thick paste.
Apply the paste to the battery connections with a damp cloth or an old toothbrush. When applying, be careful not to get any on other car components.
Rub the corroded or dirty parts of the battery terminals. Once the baking soda paste begins to react with the corrosion, it will bubble and foam. Wait at least 5 to 10 minutes for the paste to loosen the corrosion.
Clean battery terminals with a high level of corrosion
How do you clean battery terminals if they have heavy deposits? Well, you need to scrape them off with the edge of a used butter knife when the terminals are disconnected. Hold the blade firmly at a 45-degree angle along the battery surface and press down to remove all the corrosion. After removing as much of the deposit as possible, work off any remaining rust with steel wool or a wire brush.
This step requires you to wear vinyl dishwashing gloves, especially when scrubbing the corrosion with steel wool. Vinyl gloves offer the best protection for your hands against harmful caustic agents.
If you’re interested, you can buy special “battery post” and “battery clamp” brushes from your nearest auto parts store. However, a general steel brush usually works well in most cases, and there’s no need to buy the special brushes.
Rinse the terminals
Once you’ve finished scraping and there’s no more foam, it’s time to rinse the terminals. Pour 2 cups, or about 500 ml, of distilled water over the battery posts. Baking soda can be detrimental to battery life, so don’t let the rinsed paste seep through the battery vents.
Wipe the terminals
Take a clean, dry cloth and thoroughly wipe the terminals before connecting them to the vehicle. The mat must be free of oil or grease. Rub the terminals two or three times to ensure they are completely dry. Do not use paper towels. Paper scraps and any remaining bits will stick to the terminals.
Corrosion protection
To prevent corrosion, apply petroleum jelly to the clean, dry battery terminals. Spread a small layer of jelly over the positive and negative terminals using your fingertips. It is important you wear your glove during this step. Petroleum jelly is hydrophobic, so its application will prevent future corrosion on the car battery terminals.
Reconnect the terminals
Once the cleaning is complete, it’s time to reconnect the terminals and re-establish the electrical connection. When reconnecting, first attach the positive clamp to the battery and tighten it with a wrench. Then, reattach the negative clamp to its designated battery terminal. Use a wrench to secure this clamp as well. After reconnecting, replace the old plastic covers on the clamp/terminal junction.
Extras for mechanics and car owners
Car maintenance is good, especially when you take care of your car under the hood as it keeps your vehicle healthy. While all these are necessary, many mechanics and car owners also enjoy small detail that credits their passion for engines.
For mechanics, a small automotive themed accessory such as a 4-cylinder engine keychain with moving pistons can make a thoughtful giveaway or appreciation gift for loyal and good customers.
It is a simple way to leave a lasting impression after a service, and customers often remember the mechanic who adds a personal touch beyond the repair itself.
For car enthusiasts and DIY car owners, this type of keychain is more than just an accessory. The moving piston design reflects real engine mechanics, making it a fun conversation starter and a subtle way to show love for cars. Whether clipped to car keys, tool bags, or backpacks, it is a compact reminder of what’s under the hood.
If you enjoy automotive details or want a unique gift idea that connects to real engine mechanics, it is definitely worth checking out.
Conclusion
Keeping your car battery terminals clean will not only increase the battery’s lifespan but also maintain its efficiency. For this reason, you need to know how to clean battery terminals. Also, remember to take the necessary precautions before cleaning the terminals.
