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How can I clean acid off a car battery?
I was at the mall doing some shopping the other day, and when I went to leave my car wouldn’t start. Thankfully, a kindly gentleman gave me a jump start. He also mentioned that my battery had leaked some acid and appeared to have some corrosion. The battery is pretty new and shouldn’t need to be replaced, but I’m apprehensive now. How can I clean the acid and corrosion off my car battery?
Jack Walsh · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
That was kind of him to give you a jump, and he’s right that corrosion and leaked acid on your car’s battery can prevent the vehicle from starting. Fortunately, cleaning the battery is easy and only takes a few minutes.
To clean corrosion and acid off your battery, you need:
- Water
- Baking soda
- Bristled brush
- Petroleum jelly
Once you have the supplies, follow these steps:
- Turn off the car and open the hood
- Disconnect the battery starting with the negative lead, typically black and labeled with NEG or a minus sign
- Examine the battery and cables for damage and replace the battery if the wires are frayed or cracked
- Mix one teaspoon of baking soda into a glass of water to make your cleaning solution
- Apply the cleaning solution using your brush and scrub away the acid and corrosion
- Rinse the battery terminals and cables using clean water
- Thoroughly dry the area
- Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the battery terminals to prevent future corrosion
- Reconnect the battery starting with the positive lead, typically red and labeled with POS or an addition sign
To err on the side of caution in the future, consider adding roadside assistance or
towing and labor coverage
to your car insurance policy.If you don’t have any roadside or towing and labor coverage, try
Jerry
. Jerry’s membership provides you with industry-leading roadside assistance, including benefits like towing, lockout service, and a mechanics hotline. To find out if you’re eligible, you can check the app or call one of our friendly agents.View full answer
- Gregory R.
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