In many cases, ignition problems can be fixed by cleaning the car battery corrosion from the terminals and cables, which couldn’t be simpler.
There are several reasons why a car battery develops corrosion on the posts and cables. If you find yourself with this problem there is a simple, everyday solution and a very cool battery experiment you can conduct on your own with a can of Coca Cola, a wire brush, water and some paper towels.
First, disconnect the battery cables with the correct size wrench or, if the corrosion is too heavy, a pair of vise grips. Always remove the negative cable first, then the positive. Removing the positive cable before the negative could result in shock because the current remains connected to the car.
Next, slowly pour a small amount of Coca Cola over any corroded areas. The Coke will bubble and eat away at the rust and corrosion. The acid in Coke will neutralize the corrosion on the battery and cables.
When the Coke has finished bubbling, take a wire brush and brush away any corrosion that is stuck around bolts or any other hard to reach areas. The wire brush will also work the Coke into those hard to reach areas and break up the hidden corrosion a lot easier. Continue to brush until all of the corrosion is gone.
When you have brushed away all of the loosened corrosion and rust, wipe the corroded areas with a paper towel to remove the Coke residue and the corrosion. Pour a small amount of water over the area to rinse away the sticky residue from the Coke and the last of the corrosion from the battery. Wipe down the area to dry it and soak up any remaining residue.
Finally, replace the battery cables starting with the positive and then the negative. The negative cable should spark when it is connected; this is fine and only shows that the connection is complete.
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2 Comments
Wrong, wrong, wrong! It’s the CO2 (carbonation) in Coke that neutralizes the battery acid. Coke is not an acid! It’s the opposite – a base. Use Baking Soda instead (another base) & you’ll avoid the sticky, sugary mess that Coke will make.
Wrong again! Coke IS an acid, and will NOT neutralize anything! The Co2 is what eats away at the corrosion, but it does NOT neutralize it, it just washes it away to another location!