If you think that Coke is only good for quenching your thirst, you are absolutely mistaken! For your information, Coke contains phosphoric and citric acid, which can be effective cleaning agents if done correctly.
So, does Coke on battery terminals actually work?
Yes, it does! The acidic ingredients in this soda will act as the main cleaning agent. In fact, Coke on a car battery helps you clean your corroded terminals and make them start your engine like you just bought it!
Let us lay down the steps on how to clean battery terminals with Coke.
Table of Contents
Easy Steps to Clean Battery Corrosion With Coke
Here is a list of what you need to prepare:
- Set of Safety Gear: gloves, facemask, safety glasses
- A wire brush or stiff brush
- A can of Coca Cola
- Microfiber Cloths
- Tie cloth
- Water
- A spray bottle (for easy application)
Here are the steps to get rid of corrosion on the battery using Coca-Cola:
Step 1: Safety first
Battery leaks and acids are toxic and harmful to your health. Let’s put on your protective gear: gloves, facemask, and safety glasses to avoid any exposure.
Do not start the cleaning process without disconnecting the battery cables and tying them safely at the back to keep them in harm’s way.
- Important safety step: In electronics, always start disconnecting the negative battery cable before the positive cable. Bear in mind that doing the opposite may get you an electric shock.
If the cable connection parts stick a little due to corrosion, you can use a swab to dab a little coke onto the parts, then wait for 3 minutes before disconnecting it.
Step 2. Pour Coke and let the acids do the cleaning.
In using Coke to clean battery terminals, it’s easier to apply when you pour the Coke into a spray bottle first.
Now, spray a small amount of the beverage directly into them for the acids to do their cleaning power.
For the Coke to work correctly, leave it there onto the parts for 5 – 10 minutes for the phosphoric and citric acids to do their thing.
Step 3: Brush the battery terminals.
To properly clean corroded battery terminals, you have to use a wire brush or stiff-bristled brush to take away rust and corrosion on the bolts, surface, and areas that are hard to reach.
Brush repeatedly places that are still rusty and corroded. Be sure to get rid of gunk and corrosion before you proceed to the next step.
Step 4: Wipe Coke residue and rust particles.
Spray a small amount of water to wash away dirt and traces of Coke sugar in your car battery terminals.
Then, use a microfiber cloth to completely wipe out water, Coke on the battery post, and the remaining rust particles in your battery terminals.
- Safety Tip: Verify that your battery post is completely dry before going to the next step. A wet battery post might give you an electric tingle when you connect the cables later.
Step 5: Reconnect the battery cables.
When reconnecting the cables, always start with the positive cable before the negative cable.
It is normal for the negative cable to spark when you connect it so do not be afraid when it does. It only shows that your car’s electricity is up and running.
There you have it! The steps are quick to follow and are not complicated. You have known the effects of Coca-Cola on battery corrosion.
If you are curious about what other acidic ingredients are effective in cleaning battery terminals, read forth and know two of the most effective battery terminal cleaners you can find at home!
Cleaning Battery Terminals With Vinegar and Baking Soda
Just like Coca-Cola, vinegar and baking soda are powerful cleaning agents that can clean corroded battery terminals.
Here are the things you need:
- Vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Rag or Cloth
- Protective Gear
- Old Toothbrush or Stiff-bristled Brush
Here are the steps:
- Step 1: Disconnect the cables starting with the negative before the positive cable and tie them safely at the back so as not to get wet.
- Step 2: Pour a teaspoon of baking soda on the terminals to neutralize the acid from the battery.
- Step 3: Soak the brush with vinegar and brush the corrosion and rust of the battery terminals away. Repeat the process until every part of the battery post is cleaned and brushed.
- Step 4: Wash away the traces of vinegar and baking soda with water and completely dry the battery post by wiping it with a rag and cloth.
- Step 5: Reconnect the battery starting with the positive cable before the negative and check that everything is in place before closing the hood and starting the engine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to clean battery terminals?
You can clean battery terminals without removing battery cables if you want to clean them fast. But it is never recommended by the experts since it may electrocute you.
But if you must, follow the steps below:
- Step 1: Make sure the engine is off to stop any current working on your car.
- Step 2: Spray hot water on the terminals. This will weaken the gunk, and hardened dirt gathered in your battery port.
- Step 3: Swipe the dirt and gunk away using a toothbrush or stiff-bristled brush.
- Step 4: Make sure to dry your battery terminals using a rag completely.
Is it safe to pour Coke on battery?
Yes, but only pour a little on areas with corrosion and dust. The Coke will serve as a cleaning agent to soften the particles and will easily be taken out by a brush.
Will Sprite clean battery terminals?
Yes. Any liquid beverage like Diet Coke, Coca-Cola, or even juices that contain any acid can be used to clean battery terminals. You can use Pepsi, as well. Others use Dr. Pepper to clean terminals, too.
Conclusion
Your car’s battery terminals should be cleaned from time to time since corrosion on the battery keeps it from starting your engine. Without cleaning maintenance, it may lead to more serious battery problems if duly neglected.
There are a lot of ways to clean your battery terminals. So, what is our final say as Coke car battery MythBusters?
Coke can definitely be a good cleaning agent for your battery terminals. In addition, you know how to clean battery terminals with Coke!
