Driver Knowledge Tests

How do you clean car battery terminals?

To clean car battery terminals, you will need the following materials:

  • A wrench or pliers to remove the terminals
  • Baking soda
  • Water
  • A wire brush or toothbrush
  • Protective gloves
  • Safety glasses
A car battery terminal in desperate need of cleaning

To clean the battery terminals:

  1. Put on protective gloves and safety glasses.
  2. Use the wrench or pliers to loosen and remove the terminal clamps from the battery terminals.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together equal parts baking soda and water to create a paste.
  4. Apply the paste to the terminals using the wire brush or toothbrush, and scrub the terminals thoroughly to remove any dirt, grime, or corrosion.
  5. Rinse the terminals with water to remove the paste, and dry them with a clean cloth.
  6. Reattach the terminal clamps to the battery terminals (making sure you get them the right way around), and tighten them securely with the wrench or pliers.
  7. Clean any remaining acid or corrosion from the battery and terminal clamps with the baking soda paste and a cloth.
  8. Dispose of the used baking soda paste according to local regulations.

It is important to clean your car battery terminals regularly to ensure that they are free of dirt, grime, and corrosion. This will help to prevent electrical problems and ensure that your battery is functioning properly.

Darren is an expert on driving and transport, and is a member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists

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