Feb 16, 2018
How to Clean Car Battery Terminals

Car maintenance can prove to be as intensive or routine as you want. Ensuring you have a car running smoothly means you need to undergo regular maintenance checks and inspections to keep it in good working condition. However, there are some ways you can keep your car in good condition by adding one thing to your maintenance schedule — cleaning your battery terminals. 

The following infographic shows what can happen when you don’t regularly check and clean your battery terminals: 

Your car’s battery is critical to your car’s ability to function (as you’ve probably noted when it doesn’t start). Keeping the terminals free of corrosion is essential if you want the electrical current to flow effectively between the battery and your engine. Don’t worry – cleaning a battery terminal is a simple part of your ongoing vehicle maintenance. Here’s how, courtesy of the expert mechanics at Peruzzi Nissan.

Step 1 — Be Prepared

First, you’ll want to raise the hood and check the terminals. If you see a white, powdery substance around them, that’s corrosion. Corrosion happens when hydrogen gas gets released from the battery acid and creates a chemical reaction with the metal battery terminals. Getting rid of this corrosion is your top priority. 

Step 2 — Have the Right Tools for the Job

You’ll need disposable gloves, safety goggles, and a sturdy work apron to protect against any battery acid. Also, you’ll want to add a battery terminal cleaner, a spray bottle filled with water, some petroleum jelly, a wire brush, metal pliers, and a clean, soft cloth to your list of tools.

Step 3 — Safety First, Second, and Third

Any kind of automotive work requires taking the necessary safety precautions: ensure that the engine is off and the car has cooled down for at least a half-hour. Outside of the battery, avoid touching the metal parts of the vehicle to prevent any short-outs.

Step 4 — Get in There and Clean the Battery Terminal 

Now it’s time to don your safety gear and disconnect the battery by removing the rubber or plastic covers connecting the cables to the battery itself. Look for the negative terminal — it will either have a minus symbol or a black terminal cover. Using the pliers, loosen the clamps on the terminal. Repeat with the positive terminal — either a red cap or a plus symbol.

Following the directions on the bottle of battery terminal cleaner, spritz the terminals and the clamps. Take the wire brush and scrub them down until you see bare metal. Spray the cleaned terminals and clamps with water to remove any remaining cleaner or corrosion, and dry with a clean cloth.  

Apply a dab of petroleum jelly to each terminal to help fight future corrosion. Doing what you can to help protect your battery from future corrosion can help ensure you aren’t hit with any surprise repairs when you thought it was a normal wear and tear issue. 

The Last Step — Put It Back Together

Before getting back onto the road, you have to put the freshly cleaned battery terminal back together again. You reattach the positive clamp to the positive terminal (always do this first), then do the same with the negative side. Replace the terminal covers and close the hood. Your battery terminals are clean and ready to keep that power!

If these steps seem too complicated or you’re not interested in cleaning your battery terminals on your own, bring your vehicle to our Nissan service center. In addition to cleaning your battery terminals when necessary, our service experts will check many other parts of your car to ensure it is running correctly. From brake pads to timing belts, maintaining coolant levels, or even performing tire rotations, it’s always a good idea to have the professionals take a look at your car. 

If you’re looking to purchase a new car, truck, or SUV, Peruzzi Nissan also has a massive selection of over 240 new Nissan vehicles in the Levittown, PA, and Trenton, NJ areas in stock and ready to purchase. If you’re looking for a used vehicle, we also have a selection of over 500 pre-owned vehicles from every major manufacturer. Visit Peruzzi Nissan today, or give us a call to schedule an appointment or learn more.