CLEAN BATTERY TERMINALS IN THE PROPER WAY

CLEAN BATTERY TERMINALS IN THE PROPER WAY.

     Car batteries store electricity, which is what ignites the fuel that gets your engine moving. When the battery's terminals are covered in corrosion, electricity can't flow properly, leaving you stuck in your tracks.

     

     Peek at the battery. Do you see a white, powdery substance on the metal terminals? That's corrosion. It could be causing your engine to not start or make it stall when idling.

     Your car battery should last an average of four or more years, depending on the brand and capacity, with routine maintenance—and proper cleaning is essential. Here's how to clean battery terminals.

VEHICLE SYSTEM:-

Ignition, Charging, & Electrical Systems

SKILL LEVEL:-

Beginner

TIME TO COMPLETE:-

One and half hour

WHAT YOU''LL NEED:-

1.Disposable gloves

2.Goggles

3.Work apron

4.Metal pliers

5.Battery terminal cleaners

6.Wire brush

7.Spray bottles

8.Soft fabric towels

9.Petroleum jelly

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS FOR CLEANING BATTERY TERMINALS :-

     Since your skin and clothes may come in contact with corrosive materials, protective goggles, gloves, and a work smock are advisable. Avoid touching metal parts of the vehicle, including the metal frame or nearby parts, to reduce the risk of shorting out the battery

     As you work, if you notice any crack or leaks in the battery, it's time to  replace this essential car parts.The same holds true for damage to the battery cables.

     If you have a newer vehicle, you'll need to take some extra precautions before disconnecting the battery, as some must be hooked up to a 12V battery source, like a jump box through the OBD port.

     Check your owner's manual or head to your local automotive repair shop to confirm that your vehicle doesn't have a special procedure for disconnecting the battery.

1.

Reference your owner's manual to locate the car battery. Most are at the front of the vehicle, near the engine. Some cars place the battery at the rear, in the trunk area. Still others may require you to pull the driver's side front wheel and fender well for access.

2.

Turn the car off and raise the hood using the release lever or button. It's best to tackle this project after the car has cooled for at least 30 minutes.

3.

Slip on your safety goggles, work gloves, and protective apron.

4.

How to disconnect a car battery: Remove the rubber or plastic covers that protect the points where the battery cables connect to the battery terminals. There are two covers to remove.

5.

Identify the negative terminal. It should be labeled with a minus symbol or a black terminal cover. Use a pair of pliers or a socket wrench to loosen the clamp.

6.

Remove the clamp from the positive terminal. It will be labeled with a plus symbol or have a red cover.

7.

To clean corrosion off the battery: Follow the instructions on a bottle of  battery terminal cleaners application.
After you spray the product on the terminals and clamps, you may notice a foaming reaction.

8.

Use a wire brush to gently loosen the corrosion on the terminals and clamps. Scrub the terminals and clamps down to bare metal.

9.

Aim a spray bottle filled with water at the clamps and terminals to rinse away remaining foam and corrosion.

10.

Dry each terminal and clamp with a soft, clean cloth.

11.

Apply a thin layer of battery terminal protectant each terminal to prevent future corrosion.

12.

Reattach the clamp to the positive terminal first. Then, attach the remaining clamp to the negative terminal.

13.

Replace both terminal covers and close the car hood. Your batteries terminals are now free of corrosion, and your car should start with a turn of the key.

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Post By,  PRASHANT PATANVADIYA.