If corrosion is severe, use a battery-terminal puller, a specialized tool used to remove the terminal from the post without damaging either. Carefully lay the detached ends of the cables to one side. Use a solution of baking soda and water to wipe away corrosion from the top of the battery and around the posts. Baking soda is a base, so it will neutralize the acidic deposits that have built up on the outside of the battery. Use a wire-bristle battery brush to clean deposits from the posts.
Some brushes also have an attachment for cleaning inside the opening of the battery cable.
To help prevent future corrosion, apply petroleum jelly to the inside of the terminals and the posts before reattaching the cables. Reattach the cables, making sure that each is connected to the proper post. These devices plug into the cigarette lighter and use a 9-volt battery to deliver enough charge to retain the settings while the car battery is disconnected. Click here to e-mail us. All Rights Reserved.