Tell me more ×
Motor Vehicle Maintenance & Repair Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for mechanics and DIY enthusiast owners of cars, trucks, and motorcycles. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 1 down vote favorite

The clamps that are attached to the car battery are corroded, I was told either of these liquids will work. Which one is better? Is there a how to guide on the exact steps I need to take? With my limited knowledge, I know...

Disconnect the battery (the order of the clamps matters I think?), Clean the clamps and ports, Wait, Reattach battery

share|improve this question

1 Answer

up vote 2 down vote accepted

What about a can of battery terminal cleaner? Should be available at any parts store (aerosol can). That plus a wire brush has always worked for me. As far as order of disconnection / connection, ground/black/negative is the first off and last on.

You could try cola or baking soda and water. They should work, but I suspect no better than a can of terminal cleaner. The cola will get rid of the corrosion but leave your terminals sticky. Maybe in an emergency, as Rory suggests, cola. Be careful with liquids around a battery, a short will ruin your day.

share|improve this answer
Definitely use terminal cleaner - although if you are out in the middle of nowhere and can only find a can of coke then it can help remove gunk and corrosion in an emergency. Would be a weird kind of emergency though :-) – Rory Alsop May 28 '12 at 16:13
Just he answer I was looking for! – ironcyclone May 29 '12 at 16:28

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.