Stopping battery terminal corrosion is one of the best ways to keep your battery working for as long as possible. Over time, battery terminals can become a little damaged, often because the acid can leak from the battery. There are many different methods for stopping corrosion but they boil down to two general categories – prevention and cleaning.
Prevention is the best way to stop the corrosion and petroleum jelly can make a difference. Remove the connector cables on your battery and liberally coat the posts with the jelly. Then reattach the cables. This coating allows the electrical current to flow freely while protecting the battery from potential corrosion. You could also "paint" the posts with a silicone spray that is available at auto parts stores. Remove the cable connections from the battery. Spray the material onto the post and allow it to dry. Reconnect the cables and your battery should remain corrosion free.
To clean the battery terminal, disconnect the cable hookups and remove the battery. Use a wire brush and a mixture of 3/4 cup of baking soda and 2-1/2 cups of warm water to clean the area. Clean and dry the area thoroughly. Replace the battery and use one of the above methods for prevention to help prevent further corrosion.
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