How to Remove Car Battery Corrosion
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7 Simple Steps To Fix Car Battery Corrosion
A corroded car battery can prevent your car from starting, which is frustrating especially if you’re rushing for work. It can also lead to a few other problems such as damage to your vehicle’s electrical wiring and air conditioning.
The good thing is that you can quickly spot car battery corrosion. You will notice a white, ashy substance on your battery terminals, battery cables, and battery posts. In other instances, it can be blue or green. Such buildup can result in a malfunctioning battery from electrical resistance, which in turn, causes decreased battery life and performance.
Fortunately, car battery corrosion is an issue that can be fixed easily. You don’t have to visit an auto repair shop to fix this since you can do it on your own. Here are 7 steps on removing car battery corrosion:
1. Make sure your car is turned off.
Before you start working with the battery, see to it that you’ve turned off your vehicle.
2. Disconnect your cables.
WARNING: Remove the negative battery cable first, or you’ll most likely get electrocuted. The negative cable is colored black while the positive cable is red. You’ll need to use a wrench.
3. Check if there’s any damage.
Worn battery cables can stop your engine from starting immediately. Cables that are splintered, dried, peeled, cracked, or frayed will need replacement as soon as possible. Be sure that you examine them carefully.
4. Remove the corrosion.
Now, you can begin removing and neutralizing the battery corrosion. While there are several ways of doing this, we’ll only focus on two of the most effective ones:
- The battery cleaning agent method
The simplest and fastest option is to go for commercial-grade battery cleaners. Not only will they clear the battery from corrosion, but they will also neutralize the battery acid. If there’s no cleaner available at home, you can use some household items as a replacement such as Coca-Cola and baking soda.
- The baking soda method
You’ll need a teaspoon of baking soda and a glass of water for the solution, and an old toothbrush or bristled brush for scrubbing. Cover the battery terminals and corroded areas with a coat of baking soda, after which pour a small amount of water on each terminal. The baking soda and water mix will start to bubble, which means that the acidic corrosion is being neutralized, making it safer to handle.
Repeat the same process on the battery cable ends if necessary.
5. Scrub, rinse, and dry
Once you’re done, scrub the corrosion off using the toothbrush or bristled brush. Don’t let the solution or the corrosive elements fall on the other engine components as they can cause damage. If possible, remove the battery completely.
In case you’re using professional-grade supplies, be careful not to let the battery-cleaning agent come in direct contact with your car’s paint job. Certain agents can leave a permanent stain.
After scrubbing all the corrosion away, you may rinse the battery and cable ends using clean water. Then, let it all dry. You can also use an air compressor.
6. Take extra preventive steps.
To avoid corrosion in the future, apply anti-corrosion pads, which are also known as battery terminal protectors. These pads will help protect your battery posts. Alternatively, you can apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly on the terminals and clamps.
7. Reconnect the battery.
This time, connect the positive cable first, followed by the negative one. You’re done!
Help Save the Lives of Destitute Breast Cancer Patients
If you have an extra vehicle that’s been sitting idly in your garage for months, how about using it to help save the lives of destitute breast cancer patients in your community? All you have to do is to hand it over to us at Breast Cancer Car Donations.
We’ll auction off your donated vehicle to provide funding for our IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit partners. These charities are dedicated to providing comprehensive breast health services to all needy individuals. They provide low-cost or no-cost breast cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care to individuals who come from low-income families.
Donating to us will only take a couple of minutes of your time in the comfort of your home. Just contact us and let us know that you’re donating a vehicle. We’ll then arrange a time and place for the free towing of your vehicle wherever you had it parked or stored within the United States.
Your donation will also entitle you to claim the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season. We’ll send you your 100% tax-deductible sales receipt following the auction of your vehicle.
On top of the material rewards that will come your way, you’ll also experience the priceless joy and satisfaction of doing an act of charity that will help save lives.
Got a question for us? Get in touch with us at 866-540-5069 or leave your message here. You may also browse through our FAQs page to learn more about our car donation program.
Turn Your Clunker into a Weapon Against Breast Cancer Today!
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That old and idle car of yours might just be what some financially struggling breast cancer patients need to win their fight against the disease. Donate it to us so we can convert it into a weapon against breast cancer. Call Breast Cancer Car Donations at 866-540-5069 or fill out this form now!
Last Updated: March 10th, 2023