If you found this video helpful, please click the subscribe and like buttons! I'd love to hear what you think! You can check out my automotive playlist here: th-cam.com/play/PLheeAZ7mTyvtDYWqugFReY8WOgU-g3Q0H.html
Thanks for showing the better rinsing approach, which is to use the acid-neutralizing baking soda. Also, it's helpful to know in advance that the bolts take a 10mm socket -- thanks for mentioning that.
Worked beautifully. First try. Cleaned off seven years or corrosion build up in about seventeen seconds. Now i can actually see the terminals again so i can replace the battery!
That’s true. It can sometimes be observed with light bubbling when the current heats up the water around the terminals. However, the battery dries off pretty quickly. I’ve never had an issue in 30+ years of washing engines and cleaning batteries.
That's what I was thinking the whole time! It's like if you touched both ends of a jumper cable together when the other side is connected to a battery...What happens...
Nice video. Only caveat is to know what is under that battery and maybe protect your driveway. I had a AAA tech do this to the battery terminals on one of my cars - he used a pump sprayer. Replaced the battery and the car started fine. Next day the car wouldn't start. Turns out the starter was directly underneath the battery and it had gotten caked with the baking soda mixture. That destroyed the starter and also left a large stain on my driveway.
Dang homie that worked great was at Walmart with my wife and 2 little ones went to start and went dead looked at the cables and they were covered moved enough to start and cleaned at home
This happens because the seal around the post is leaking. I always put a bead of silicone around the post where it meets the case best if done when new.
Yes, that can be one reason (and a good solution too). Also, all batteries have vents to release hydrogen gas when the battery charge is cycling, which can cause terminal corrosion. Another cause of corrosion is if you have copper terminals. When they get wet, that will cause a reaction with the lead posts.
A lot of slurry was created by the baking soda and water mix and it overflowed the battery tray a bit. I rinsed with fresh water inside the engine compartment area that it dripped into. Is this an issue?
Great question! No, it will not be an issue. It’s always a good practice to get the solution and dissolved acid rinsed out, but a small amount of the solution residue will not be a problem.
Great question. I just used common bearing grease. However, thy type of grease isn’t critical, since its purpose is to seal the connection from the surrounding air.
This has always happened ever since I bought my car. Is there a reason why this occurs? Also, can this prevent the car from starting if there’s alot of acid?
Acid corrosion on the battery terminals is just a common, natural chemical reaction. It is possible that if there is enough corrosion between the battery terminal and the clamp, the car may fail to start or crank slowly. Let me know what you discover.
@ yeah so mine didn’t want to start & I know I get some acid buildup every now & then since I bought the car so I mixed some baking soda with water & poured it on & waited..after a few minutes it started right up 👍
It can be regular grease that you would use for bearings or you can use dielectric grease (more expensive). The point is to seal the connection off from oxygen and prevent the chemical reaction that produces corrosion.
Female HERE! Thanks for the super simple and quick tips! Kia wants to charge me $35 to clean the battery (maybe why I need a jump daily) so Imma try this 1st! QUESTION!?... Can I use ANY kinda grease?...that looks like "car grease" but I don't have that..I do have Olive Oil, coconut oil or shea butter..lol IK. Just asking! (Currently low income). THANKS! :)
Great question! But before I answer it, I have a couple thoughts… First, manufacturers dealers like Kia, Toyota, VW, or Ford are the most expensive place for maintenance and repair. They generally have the highest labor rate and, using genuine manufacturer’s products, the most expensive parts. Consider asking close friends for their recommendations for a trustworthy independent shop. Second, take your car to a national chain auto parts store like AutoZone or O’Reilly’s. They can test your battery and alternator for free. I suspect that one of them is why you need a jump every morning. While you’re at it, if your check engine light comes on occasionally (or on all the time), they can pull the codes for free. Word of caution: they are not mechanics or technicians. Their job is to sell parts. I would not trust their “check engine light code” diagnosis without verification by a skilled auto tech. Now, to answer your question! 😅 The specific kind of grease isn’t critical. The purpose of the grease is to seal off the terminal from outside air and prevent further corrosion. I used bearing grease, which is thick and will remain thick in the high heat conditions under a car’s hood. I would not use liquid oil like coconut or olive. Shea butter may liquify in the under hood heat (150+ degrees F). If you have friendly neighbors, they may be willing to let you use some from a tub that’s been sitting in their garage for the past 10 years. 😁 Just a dab will do ya! Let me know how it goes!
@@YOUCanFixAnythingAuto Thanks Man! Wow, you are very detailed and I love that! I did try all of what you recommended and turns out I just needed a new battery! Will update in future if I need to do this again. Thanks and YAH (god) Bless!!!
People don't do this... You never pour water or water + baking soda solution directly on the battery like this. You take the battery out, use a cloth/paper towel with the solution and make sure you don't get any water/baking soda inside the battery. A lot of batteries have 1 or two raised spots with covers on them on the top where you can actually get liquids inside the battery if you do it the wrong way like in the video. You have to be more careful with it. You can EASILY destroy your car battery doing it like OP did in the video. OP says he's a pro but is doing this, and also didn't take out the battery to make sure there was no corrosion underneath the terminals.
It's OK to put grease on the terminals before reconnecting the battery! Try to wash the acid away so it doesn't collect below and continue to corrode your car.
I hope a pro wouldn't clean a battery like that. I take a shop vac, suck up any loose corrosion after removing the cables, take the battery out, submerge the battery terminals in the baking soda/water solution in a plastic container then use a rag dipped in baking soda/water solution to clean the top of the battery. You're inviting problems just pouring the solution over the battery while it's still in the vehicle.
I spent many years as a pro, did everything in a pro way, and charged people pro prices. At the same time, I’ve been cleaning corroded batteries in my personal vehicles using this method for 40 years without a single issue (my dad did it this way many decades before teaching me). This channel is focused on helping DYIers fix their cars and save lots of $$$ using tried and tested methods. Thanks for visiting.
I’ve never tried Coke to clean a battery. For me, it tastes too good to waste on a battery. I much prefer the taste of Coke over baking soda and vinegar! 😂
Great Video! We sell a much easier solution! If you provide us with an email we would love to send you some more information and potentially send you a sample to try!
If you found this video helpful, please click the subscribe and like buttons! I'd love to hear what you think! You can check out my automotive playlist here: th-cam.com/play/PLheeAZ7mTyvtDYWqugFReY8WOgU-g3Q0H.html
Thanks for showing the better rinsing approach, which is to use the acid-neutralizing baking soda. Also, it's helpful to know in advance that the bolts take a 10mm socket -- thanks for mentioning that.
Glad it was helpful! The cleaning solution was something my dad taught me more than 35 years ago!
Worked beautifully. First try. Cleaned off seven years or corrosion build up in about seventeen seconds. Now i can actually see the terminals again so i can replace the battery!
Glad it helped!
Try not have a continuous water path between terminals that allows electrical current to flow.
That’s true. It can sometimes be observed with light bubbling when the current heats up the water around the terminals. However, the battery dries off pretty quickly. I’ve never had an issue in 30+ years of washing engines and cleaning batteries.
That's what I was thinking the whole time! It's like if you touched both ends of a jumper cable together when the other side is connected to a battery...What happens...
Nice video. Only caveat is to know what is under that battery and maybe protect your driveway. I had a AAA tech do this to the battery terminals on one of my cars - he used a pump sprayer. Replaced the battery and the car started fine. Next day the car wouldn't start. Turns out the starter was directly underneath the battery and it had gotten caked with the baking soda mixture. That destroyed the starter and also left a large stain on my driveway.
Oh man! I’m sorry to hear that! Did they make it right?
Dang homie that worked great was at Walmart with my wife and 2 little ones went to start and went dead looked at the cables and they were covered moved enough to start and cleaned at home
thanks! im gonna try this on my feet!!
how did this work out?
I had the same question. It can’t be worse than having your toes covered in acid crust!
🤔
@@gochiefs206 corrosion gone!!
This happens because the seal around the post is leaking. I always put a bead of silicone around the post where it meets the case best if done when new.
Yes, that can be one reason (and a good solution too). Also, all batteries have vents to release hydrogen gas when the battery charge is cycling, which can cause terminal corrosion. Another cause of corrosion is if you have copper terminals. When they get wet, that will cause a reaction with the lead posts.
Great Vid! Would you put the grease over both terminals or just the negative one?
Good question. I put is over both, since I can see corrosion on both the positive and negative.
Thank you for making this video
You are welcome! 👍🏼
What about for below freezing weather? 🥶
I recommend hot water it’s worked better and faster 😊
The pressure washer at a car wash also does a great job too!
Yep hot water worked for me
Thanks
🌈☀️🌻ThankYou very helpful! Wanted to be sure whether or not it matters which cable you remove first and reconnect?
Good thinking. The negative cable is always the first off and last on.
A lot of slurry was created by the baking soda and water mix and it overflowed the battery tray a bit. I rinsed with fresh water inside the engine compartment area that it dripped into. Is this an issue?
Great question! No, it will not be an issue. It’s always a good practice to get the solution and dissolved acid rinsed out, but a small amount of the solution residue will not be a problem.
Thanks for a great video ❤
You are very welcome! 😁
What specific grease are you using?
Great question. I just used common bearing grease. However, thy type of grease isn’t critical, since its purpose is to seal the connection from the surrounding air.
This has always happened ever since I bought my car. Is there a reason why this occurs? Also, can this prevent the car from starting if there’s alot of acid?
Acid corrosion on the battery terminals is just a common, natural chemical reaction. It is possible that if there is enough corrosion between the battery terminal and the clamp, the car may fail to start or crank slowly. Let me know what you discover.
@ yeah so mine didn’t want to start & I know I get some acid buildup every now & then since I bought the car so I mixed some baking soda with water & poured it on & waited..after a few minutes it started right up 👍
@ 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
Thanks bro 👍
No problem! 👍
Does it have to be fresh?
Fresh?
Can table salt do the work if baking soda is not arround?
No, it’s the chemical reaction that does the cleaning.
What kind of grease?
It can be regular grease that you would use for bearings or you can use dielectric grease (more expensive). The point is to seal the connection off from oxygen and prevent the chemical reaction that produces corrosion.
Female HERE! Thanks for the super simple and quick tips! Kia wants to charge me $35 to clean the battery (maybe why I need a jump daily) so Imma try this 1st! QUESTION!?... Can I use ANY kinda grease?...that looks like "car grease" but I don't have that..I do have Olive Oil, coconut oil or shea butter..lol IK. Just asking! (Currently low income). THANKS! :)
Great question! But before I answer it, I have a couple thoughts…
First, manufacturers dealers like Kia, Toyota, VW, or Ford are the most expensive place for maintenance and repair. They generally have the highest labor rate and, using genuine manufacturer’s products, the most expensive parts. Consider asking close friends for their recommendations for a trustworthy independent shop.
Second, take your car to a national chain auto parts store like AutoZone or O’Reilly’s. They can test your battery and alternator for free. I suspect that one of them is why you need a jump every morning.
While you’re at it, if your check engine light comes on occasionally (or on all the time), they can pull the codes for free. Word of caution: they are not mechanics or technicians. Their job is to sell parts. I would not trust their “check engine light code” diagnosis without verification by a skilled auto tech.
Now, to answer your question! 😅 The specific kind of grease isn’t critical. The purpose of the grease is to seal off the terminal from outside air and prevent further corrosion. I used bearing grease, which is thick and will remain thick in the high heat conditions under a car’s hood. I would not use liquid oil like coconut or olive. Shea butter may liquify in the under hood heat (150+ degrees F). If you have friendly neighbors, they may be willing to let you use some from a tub that’s been sitting in their garage for the past 10 years. 😁 Just a dab will do ya!
Let me know how it goes!
@@YOUCanFixAnythingAuto Thanks Man! Wow, you are very detailed and I love that! I did try all of what you recommended and turns out I just needed a new battery! Will update in future if I need to do this again. Thanks and YAH (god) Bless!!!
@@LoveAimshigh - You’re welcome! I’m glad you got it figured out!
People don't do this... You never pour water or water + baking soda solution directly on the battery like this. You take the battery out, use a cloth/paper towel with the solution and make sure you don't get any water/baking soda inside the battery. A lot of batteries have 1 or two raised spots with covers on them on the top where you can actually get liquids inside the battery if you do it the wrong way like in the video. You have to be more careful with it. You can EASILY destroy your car battery doing it like OP did in the video.
OP says he's a pro but is doing this, and also didn't take out the battery to make sure there was no corrosion underneath the terminals.
🤷🏻♂️
It's OK to put grease on the terminals before reconnecting the battery! Try to wash the acid away so it doesn't collect below and continue to corrode your car.
Yes, getting rid of all the acidic corrosion is key!
can i use baking powder
No. Baking soda. Keep the baking powder for muffins.
Verry good
Thanks for watching! 👍🏼
I would never let my engine bay stay that dirty good fix though.
I don’t disagree, but we also live in a rural area with lots of dirt and sand roads. It’s impossible to drive it and stay clean. 🤷🏻♂️😅
What kind of grease.
I just used bearing grease. The main purpose of the grease is to seal out oxygen, so the type isn’t too important.
Coke Cola pop 🥤
If it works, go for it!
I hope a pro wouldn't clean a battery like that. I take a shop vac, suck up any loose corrosion after removing the cables, take the battery out, submerge the battery terminals in the baking soda/water solution in a plastic container then use a rag dipped in baking soda/water solution to clean the top of the battery. You're inviting problems just pouring the solution over the battery while it's still in the vehicle.
I spent many years as a pro, did everything in a pro way, and charged people pro prices. At the same time, I’ve been cleaning corroded batteries in my personal vehicles using this method for 40 years without a single issue (my dad did it this way many decades before teaching me). This channel is focused on helping DYIers fix their cars and save lots of $$$ using tried and tested methods. Thanks for visiting.
Cleaning the battery while it’s on the vehicle won’t do a damn thing. You don’t know Jack.
What’s crazy is I look into the my vehicles manual and it said if there’s corrosion to do exactly what this guy did lol
@@LosDoyerssdamn g you must run a successful shop talking like you really something
Its crazy you guys come on here telling someone how to do something but have no videos of your own. What exactly are you on here for? Lol
I usually poor a can of coke on it. Cleans it right off.
You think tht works better than baking soda ?
@@jackboy2472 Nah it does the same thing except that soda leaves a sticky residue and attracts ants
I’ve never tried Coke to clean a battery. For me, it tastes too good to waste on a battery. I much prefer the taste of Coke over baking soda and vinegar! 😂
Great Video! We sell a much easier solution! If you provide us with an email we would love to send you some more information and potentially send you a sample to try!
I’m good, but thanks for the offer. 👍🏼
White kind of grease?
Way to get right to the point!
Hate intros
Yeah, I learned that nobody likes intros!
What kind of grease?
I just used plain old bearing grease. Lithium grease is also fine.