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Can you repair a car battery with baking soda?

I've heard that you can repair a car battery with baking soda. Obviously I want to get my car all the care that it needs, but if I can keep my car running with a $5 box of baking soda, I'd rather do that than pay for an expensive repair if I have battery trouble in the future. So, is it possible to repair a battery with baking soda? And if so, how do I do it?

avatar
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“Kudos to you for wanting to take good care of your car! Unfortunately, baking soda won’t be able to repair or
jump start a car battery
—but it can definitely give it a good cleaning, which can take care of some battery issues!
Here’s how to do it:
  • Make a baking soda paste by mixing four cups of water and six tablespoons of baking soda.
  • Spread the paste on your battery terminals.
  • Brush it around with a toothbrush. This will activate it properly and start the cleaning process!
  • Wipe away the excess.
If you battery continues to fail, you may need to make a visit to your local mechanic. It might also be a good idea to add
towing and labor coverage
to your car insurance, just to be on the safe side. One easy way to make sure you’re getting the best deal on the coverage you need is through the
Jerry app
—we offer roadside assistance with industry-leading services, including lockout, jumpstart, and tire change services.
Hope the cleaning goes well and may your battery run smoothly!”
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