How to Clean Corroded Car Battery Terminals

by Rose Kivi
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Corrosion on your car battery terminals can prevent your car from starting. Cleaning the corrosion is an easy do-it-yourself job when you follow some simple directions.

Step 1

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Make sure your car engine is turned off.

Step 2

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Remove the negative battery cable first by loosening it with a flat-head screwdriver and lifting it off the battery terminal. After removal from the terminal, set the negative cable away from the positive battery terminal and metal.

Step 3

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Remove the positive battery cable using the same removal method as the negative cable. Do not let the negative and positive battery cables touch.

Step 4

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Pour Coca Cola or baking soda and water on the battery terminals and the battery cable ends.

Step 5

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Scrub the battery terminals and the battery cable ends with a toothbrush until the corrosion is removed.

Step 6

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Pour water on the battery terminals and the battery cable ends to rinse Coca Cola or baking soda off.

Step 7

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Let battery terminals and battery cables dry.

Step 8

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Apply a thin coat of Vaseline to battery terminals.

Step 9

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Slide the positive cable onto the battery terminal and tighten.

Step 10

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Slide the negative cable onto the battery terminal and tighten.

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