Cleaning the battery poles and terminals

Cleaning the poles and terminals of the battery should be done when they are dirty, corrosive, and greasy, as well as when deposits appear. Salt deposits and corrosion act as an insulator, reducing the flow of electricity to the vehicle’s electrical devices. Dirt deposits on the poles and terminals of the battery can cause difficulty starting because the starter does not receive enough electricity to start the engine.

Salt deposits around the terminal occur when the sealing around the post loosens, as a result of forceful removal of the clamp when it sticks or gets stuck. Cleaning is done with a solution of baking soda and water. The solution is applied over the deposits and thoroughly washed with a brush. After cleaning, the place is washed with water, and the battery is removed, wiped, and dried. Sealed surfaces are repaired with resin or a special glue based on plastic.

Lead on the poles and terminals of the battery oxidizes over time. Lead oxide is an insulator and can be identified by its dark gray or black color. The only effective way to remove it is with a special scraper for battery terminals and terminals or a wire brush, which removes the oxides and restores the lead to a bright silver color. Once the terminal is reinstalled and tightened, the terminals are coated with a battery oxidation inhibitor to slow down the oxidation process.