Written By Marina Dawson 

When it comes to maintenance there are many things that you can do to keep your battery in top working condition while at the same time extending its lifespan.  Proper usage, charging, and storage are important factors, as is keeping electrolytes at the correct levels.  But even if you are paying vigilant attention to all of these things, if you aren’t taking the time to properly clean your battery you may be reducing its efficiency.

Batteries undergo a lot of wear and tear, whether they are in the engine of a car, motorcycle, ATV, boat, or any other mechanical toy that you happen to own.  Not only are engines dirty, but the types of activities we enjoy in these toys tend to be prone to dirt and sludge.  On top of all of this, batteries themselves release corrosive gasses as they are discharged, and these gasses often pool on the battery terminals.  A dirty or corroded battery terminal will affect how much power is getting from the battery to your vehicle.

First you’ll need to assess whether your battery requires cleaning.  Look for signs of dirt and grime on the battery terminals.  Also watch for a white residue that builds up from the corrosive gasses, or even more general signs of corrosion.  When you’ve determined that you do need to clean your battery, you’ll need to prepare all of your tools.  As a cleaner you can either use a solution made of water and baking soda or you can purchase a special battery cleaner at your local hardware store.  You’ll also need something to scrub the battery with, and in most cases a small wire brush will do the trick.  However, special tools can be purchased that are made specifically for the job.  You’ll also want to wear long sleeves and latex gloves to protect your skin from any toxic elements.  Eye protection is also a good idea.

Disconnect the battery from the engine.  You will probably need to remove the plastic caps that cover the terminals.  You can now use the brush and cleaner to scrub the terminals, being careful not to get anything inside the battery.  Once this has been done, use a rag dampened in plain water to rinse the terminals, then another clean rag to dry them.  You’ll want to add either terminal sealant gel or a small amount of Vaseline to the terminals to prevent future buildup and corrosion.  You can also clean the top of the battery carefully to remove oxidation and corrosive elements, however be sure not to allow any foreign objects inside the battery case.

When cleaning the battery, be sure that corrosive agents do not fall into your engine or onto the paint of your vehicle.  If you remove the battery from the vehicle, place it somewhere clean and dry for cleaning.  When returning the battery to the engine, be sure that it is reconnected properly.

Although a very simple and quick step in the battery maintenance cycle, cleaning your battery is also one that is easy to forget.  Be sure to check your battery often to prevent long-term damage caused by dirty and corroded terminals.

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