Battery terminal corrosion

[Fisherdv]

The battery terminals are pretty badly corroded on my Toyota Tacoma truck. What is the best way to clean it up and prevent it? If baking soda works, are you supposed to mix it with water or just sprinkle it on as is? Is there a recommended grease or something to prevent this?

[croaker stroker]

Mix with water.

But after cleaning, dress the posts and clamps with a battery terminal cleaning tool.

Before replacing the clamps slide one of these felt doughnuts on each post. Red = positive, black = negative.

https://www.amazon.com/TKDMR-Terminal-Corrosion-Protector-Cleaning/dp/B08JCXBSM2/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=2T15QVF5CF0G4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.EVCGzanMwbszqLieaLXBR16YQpECD4E8Ug1KQaXk8FKfu_tbpVhqQVNPJR20_mxnz4rdaQP66fSllTEa-yQzWddscu9LpAHelXTLIdHGVGu4mxBhM-EuT7fv4V3xMez4Nmu_1wnZWiCCgCO1VkuOu0na_sg56YwV938wj0bp6FiJ-EK0V-bGiCB21rBybMPwDE5dKNplCh2h3bZI1HcvbQ.hyo0_Bpl-JiZXGezoQVR5dYTArUSJFXclBIf-xJ-b5g&dib_tag=se&keywords=battery+post+cleaner+tool&qid=1713066947&sprefix=battery+post+cleaner%2Caps%2C189&sr=8-4

[Fisherdv]

Thanks CS. I had just added a NOCO kit from Amazon that has the cleaning tool and oil soaked felt pads. I will place the order. Thanks again

[fishmeister]

Red = negative

Huh??  Som-ting-wong wit dat.   

[Fisherdv]

Red = negative

Huh??  Som-ting-wong wit dat.   

I noticed that too!

[croaker stroker]

Good job! Just checking to see if everybody is paying attention. 

[Fisherdv]

Good job! Just checking to see if everybody is paying attention.

I only drank coffee today, so I'm alert. 

[Wiley]

My dad taught me to put a penny on top of batteries. The copper from it attracts any corrosion as the best conductor. I still do it.

[disposable]

My dad taught me to put a penny on top of batteries. The copper from it attracts any corrosion as the best conductor. I still do it.

Whoa! That's neato, gonna read up on that

[martin3]

Or use a can of coke to clean the terminals.
Old school.....and it works.

[jamaica]

Are pennies still made of copper?

[Fisherdv]

All cleaned up. Red stuff is protectant spray.

[fishmeister]

Are pennies still made of copper?

Barely.  I may be wrong (oh, perish the thought), but I believe 1981 was the last year for copper pennies.  Everything after that is an ultra-thin copper-plating over the top of a cheap alloy.  It got to the point where it was costing about 4-5 cents to make a penny out of copper.  I heard of some folks who were making money by buying pennies at face-value, then melting them down and making a profit selling the metal.