How to Use Coke on a Car Battery to Remove Rust

Keep your car battery and its cables clean at all times.

The myths about the properties and uses of Coke are seemingly endless, but some of the stories are completely false, while others may have truth to them. One of the more well-known myths is the ability of Coke to efficiently clean car batteries that are covered with rust and corrosion. The idea behind the myth is the phosphoric acid in Coke can eat away at rust, which makes for an easy solution. While the myth may not be entirely factual, Coke can still aid in the removal of car battery corrosion.

Things You'll Need

• Steel wool
• Paper towel

Instructions

1. Turn off the car and disconnect the battery terminals.

2. Open the can or bottle of Coke and slowly pour it over the battery. If possible, make the Coke pool on top of the rusted, corroded areas, especially around the battery terminals. Let the Coke sit and soak into the rust for five to 10 minutes.

3. Scrub the rust with steel wool until all of the rust and corrosion comes off.

4. Pour clean water over the battery to wash away the Coke and rust residue.

5. Pat the battery dry with a paper towel to reduce the reoccurrence of rust problems.

References

• The Coca-Cola Company: Ingredients List
• Break the Chain: Coke Myths