By Kim Ray
Those who take good care of their cars religiously wash and wax them, as well as provide the necessary oil changes on a regular basis, but many fail to check and maintain other vital components. Unfortunately, some only think about the battery cables and terminals once a vehicle becomes difficult to start or after it won't start at all. When the vehicle exhibits problems starting, the battery and terminals become a major concern.Battery cables and battery terminals can become loose or corroded, and like other working components, it's important to check them on a regular basis. You can prevent battery related problems by following a few routine steps. It's much easier and less time-consuming to maintain the working components of a car than to correct problems after they arise.
Inspecting and Cleaning Top Post Terminals
Battery terminals should be inspected and cleaned twice a year, and if the terminals of cables are corroded, they should be replaced. You don't have to hire a professional auto mechanic to complete these easy tasks. Inspecting, cleaning, and replacing battery terminals and cables isn't difficult, and you can do it yourself.
When the engine is off, begin by removing terminal caps if necessary, and disconnect the negative battery cable. The negative battery cable is black, and it will be marked with a minus sign or an abbreviation. Loosen the retaining nut with a wrench, and twist the connection back and forward while pulling it upwards to remove it. If the terminal won't come off, tap it lightly with a small hammer, or pull it off with a cable terminal puller. Once the negative cable has been removed, disconnect the positive cable using the same method.
Carefully clean the battery posts and the terminals of cables with a small wire brush or terminal cleaning tool, inside as well as outside, until the metal appears to be clean and free from corrosion. Dust them with a small paintbrush to remove any loose corrosion. If the terminals of cables are in good condition, securely reconnect them, and repeat the inspecting and cleaning process in six months. Replace them if necessary according to the following easy instructions.
Inspecting and Cleaning Side Terminals
Depending on the position of the battery, the side terminals are usually easier to remove. Simply use a wrench to take off the negative retaining bolt first, and remove the cable. Do the same on the positive side. Even if the round contacts don't appear corroded, take the time to clean them with a small wire brush or terminal cleaning tool. Finish by removing corrosion dust with a small paintbrush. After cleaning, securely reconnect the terminals. If they're too badly corroded, they’ll require replacement. Otherwise, do a visual inspection and clean them again in approximately six months.
Replacing Terminals
If the terminals of cables appear badly deteriorated by corrosion, or if the jaws of top terminals are able to touch, they should be replaced. While the cables are disconnected, sever the cable wire near the corroded terminal using a hacksaw or a wire cutter. Check the wire for corrosion as well, and if it's severely corroded, trim away the deteriorated wire. Make sure the wire can still reach the battery after trimming. If too much of the wire must be trimmed away, the cable will require replacement. Before reconnecting any cables, strip off about in inch of wire insulation.
To install a new terminal, remove the retainer screws, and insert the wire in the appropriate location beneath. Put the terminal back together, and tighten the screws. Complete the process on the other side if necessary, and check and clean them again in six months for optimum starting and dependable operation.
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