Clean\u00a0battery terminals can keep your car from stalling at the most inopportune time. Knowing how to clean battery terminals and the connection points will free them of residue and keep your car running.<\/span><\/p>\n Here\u2019s how to clean battery terminals in six steps.<\/span><\/p>\n 1.<\/strong> Locate<\/strong> the B<\/strong>attery<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Most<\/span> car batteries<\/a><\/strong> are located underneath the hood and are on the left or right side of the engine bay. With some models, such as in the Chevrolet Cobalt, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and the BMW 5 Series, the battery is located in the trunk.<\/span><\/p>\n 2. Lift the<\/strong> Terminal<\/strong> C<\/strong>overs<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Plastic or rubber covers protect most batteries and must be removed to access the clamps that connect the cables to the terminals. A build up of residue, identified as a white powder, must be cleared away. Don\u2019t forget to put on a pair of work gloves and don your safety glasses.<\/span><\/p>\n 3.<\/strong> Disconnect<\/strong> the Car B<\/strong>attery<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Each clamp fastened to the terminals must be disconnected. You will do this by loosening the negative clamp first, followed by the positive clamp. If excess corrosion is present, you may need to use metal pliers to disconnect. While working on the battery, avoid touching other metal objects, such as the frame of the car, otherwise you risk shorting out the battery.<\/span><\/p>\n 4.<\/strong> Choose<\/strong> Your<\/strong> Cleaning A<\/strong>gent<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n When it comes to cleaning the<\/span> car battery<\/a><\/strong>, you have a choice of two cleaning agents. The most common one is baking soda. Here, you will mix two tablespoons of baking soda with an equal amount of water in a clean container. Stir the solution to form a paste, then use a toothbrush to apply the paste to each terminal. The solution will begin to sizzle as it interacts with the corrosion. Use a wire brush to remove the remaining residue. Alternately, you can use a cola product to clean the terminal. Simply obtain one new, 12-ounce can. Then, evenly pour the entire contents directly on the battery terminals to get the job done. The advantage here is that you don\u2019t need to make a paste. Just follow up with the wire brush, if necessary.<\/span><\/p>\n 5. Rinse<\/strong> and<\/strong> Dry<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n With the terminals now nearly free of residue, you\u2019ll need to remove the paste or soda to finish cleaning. A spray bottle containing water will do; simply wash each terminal to remove the dregs. Then, use a rag and dry each terminal. Lastly, slather a dab of petroleum oil on each post to curtail future corrosion.<\/span><\/p>\n 6.<\/strong> Reconnect<\/strong> the C<\/strong>lamps<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Connect the positive clamp first, followed by the negative clamp. However, if you notice residue, clean it off before reattaching. Use a wrench to tighten as needed. Lastly, put the rubber or plastic covers over each junction. Your work is done, the battery is clean and you\u2019re ready to put your tools, cleaning agents and gloves away.<\/span><\/p>\n Maintaining your car\u2019s battery should help keep it in sound working condition until it\u2019s ready to be replaced. The average life of a car battery is about four years, therefore it should be tested with a<\/span> multimeter<\/a><\/strong> on occasion. Hot weather is its biggest enemy and will degrade a battery faster.<\/span><\/p>\n For more information on how to clean battery terminals, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local<\/span> NAPA AUTO PARTS store<\/a><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n Photo Credit:\u00a0<\/span>Battery<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0by<\/span>\u00a0Andy Armstrong<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>(<\/span>CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/strong>).<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n