Things You'll Need:
- Safety goggles
- Long-sleeved rubber gloves
- 1/2 inch wrench
- Wire battery terminal brush
- Baking soda
- Water
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Step 1
The positive terminal will either say POS or will show a positive symbol (+); the negative terminal will read NEG or show a negative symbol (-). Green and white ashy substances on and around the terminals and wires are corrosion and must be removed before proceeding to the next step. To remove corrosion mix a solution of baking soda and water and pour over both terminal ends. The mixture will fizz and bubble and this is normal. Repeat this until both terminals look cleaned up. Wipe up mess around the terminals with a paper towel and discard in trash.
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Step 2
Pick up the 1/2 inch wrench and place on the nut at the side of the negative terminal and turn to unscrew. When the terminal is loose enough to remove from the negative post, stop and twist off the terminal without removing the nut all the way. This prevents losing the nut.
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Step 3
After you have lifted the negative terminal off the negative post. Repeat Step 2 on the positive terminal. Be extra careful not to let the positive terminal touch any metal part of the car. When both posts of the battery are free of terminal ends, pour more baking soda mixture on those posts and scrub them with a wire brush until shiny. This will make a good contact and ensure proper starting abilities. Next use a wire brush to clean inside and on top of each terminal end to ensure good contact with posts when placed back on.
