How to Check Battery Cables for Corrosion and Tightness in a Chevy Impala

Whether the intrigue of a rock star singing about an Impala or the nostalgia of the old vehicles made you buy a new model, you need to keep your Chevy Impala in good condition. Check the battery cables for corrosion and tightness every month, and you and your beloved car can have many happy miles together.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Safety goggles
• Rubber gloves
• Baking soda and water
• Wrench

1. Open the hood and locate the battery in your Impala.

2. Look for corrosion on and around the battery cables, ports and the battery itself. The best clue that your battery has corrosion is the existence of a white or yellow powder on the battery and around the ports connecting the battery cables to the battery.

3. Remove corrosion from the battery in your Impala by making a cloudy mixture of baking soda and water. Pour the substance over the corrosion, and wait for it to bubble and turn brown. Continue pouring small amounts of the mixture over the corrosion until it begins to wash away. Clean away the existing baking soda mixture with plain water, and use a dry towel to make sure the cables and ports are dry and clean before you leave the battery.

4. Check the cables that connect to the battery in your Impala for corrosion by bending the cables lightly. If there is a crunchy sensation under the plastic coating, then the cables most likely have corrosion.

5. Use a knife or razor and check the battery cables in your Impala for corrosion by cutting into the plastic vertically. Check for signs of white or yellow powder or a green tint on the copper cables. If there is corrosion, these cables must be replaced.

6. Test the cables for tightness in your Impala by grasping the ports that connect the cables to the battery and trying to move or jiggle them. If there is any movement, tighten the ports and bolts that connect the battery cables to the battery with a wrench. Grasp the bolts firmly with the wrench, and turn the bolts slowly to the right. Once they are tight, test the bolts with your hand, again, to test for a secure fit.

Tips & Warnings

• Turn off your engine before going under the hood to check the battery in your Impala.
• Wear goggles to protect your eyes and rubber gloves to protect your skin from battery acid.
• Remove any metal jewelry before handling the battery or its cables. Such jewelry includes bands, bracelets, rings and watches.
• Keep any open flame or cigarettes away from the engine compartment while you check the battery in your Impala.

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