What is the most effective method for cleaning corroded battery terminals? My positive terminal is terribly corroded. Looking for the most effective/feasible method for cleaning it. Any recommendations?

Also, when I had my oil changed a little while back, they stated that the battery test was declined. I was told that it's simply because I didn't ask for it. I understand that. But they also wrote "No CCA", which they said was cold-cranking amps (already knew that). Any idea what they meant exactly? My car cranks perfectly fine, no issues. I'm wondering if CCA simply isn't listed on the battery (sticker wore off or something).

 

For your battery terminals, you can try some baking soda and water and a toothbrush. You can then also take a wire brush and clean it up some more

 

Thanks. That seems to be a common method. Wasn't sure if anyone may have different ideas.

 

i just use a little wire brush.
and its a constant game. always cleaning them!

 

Or just get some proper battery cleaning formula, and then some battery terminal protection spray.

 

Ditto. You can also use sandpaper to prep the terminals before you apply a sealer.


In addition there are battery terminal felt pads that you can buy that sit on the bottom of the terminals supposedly that help to prevent further corrosion.

 

Effective way

 

Thanks for all the suggestions. I may stop by the store today and look at prices, possibly buy some. :-D

 

Mine corroded so bad that they replaced the cable. Now my new cable where the wire meets the terminal clamp is starting to get corrosion. I swapped out the 100 month oem battery for interstate. This corrosion thing is ridiculous with this car.

 

the green-blue growth is outgassing of the battery and the post being very attractive to them!
CK the level of fluid inside battery if problem persist- gasses mean fluid loss
many batts vent on the top- making it easy to corrode cables

You want to clean it off safely= HOT(tap water hot) water in large cup with a couple heaping shakes of baking soda (stirred in)- which neutralizes the ACID you are dealing with
after its all been cleaned then rinsed off with fresh water, its safe to proceed with the wire brush etc

 

oil shops will do nothing but change the oil -while the printout given to you is based on `they were supposed to ck` several things for you - in case they could sell you a part or service,,but they are lazy

crud on batt cables will interfere with testing and batts ability to recharge itself off the alternator
If you get a few days where its slower starting = clean terminals- get batt ckd again = its dying
Batts have average 3 year life if you are lucky