So my negative wire is terribly corroded and dirty, so I bought this spray that is suppose to clean it and what not. The directions say to spray the area, wipe, and "flush with water" . REALLY ? lol. It's your battery. Do I disconnect anything before I spray ?

 

Disconnect both of the battery terminals and clean them with your spray. Then use a wire brush/scrubbing pad and scrub the oxide layer off all of the contact surfaces. To be honest you could bypass the spray completely, however where you have already purchased it, might as well give it a try..... But I would still give it a scrubbing before you reconnect the terminals.

 

Before cleaning the battery terminal with spray, remove both the terminals. Inspect for damage on battery connectors, if the damage or corrosion is more then i would suggest you to replace the connectors else you can clean it if it is not much corroded. Check your battery for any cracks and leaks before undergoing cleaning process. Also their is no need of spray to clean the terminals, you can do it with Baking soda as well. But since you have got spray, sprinkle it on the terminal and scrub it with terminal cleaner brush or usually known as metal brush. When the terminals have been cleaned, wipe them dry with cloth or wool. Also remember to replace the terminal rubber boot. If you don't have one, you can purchase it from any auto shop.

 

If your battery is just foul, pull it out and blast the battery tray as well as the battery.
A single dried trace of electrolyte from terminal to terminal will cause a low slow drain, and the crud will reappear. I'm I lazy bugger and usually just go to the coin op and blast the hell out of everything. Depending on the coin-op the tire or engine cleaner may be a baking soda based cleaner. Makes life much easier.

 

All of that corrosion is just lead that escapes from the battery. Next time some baking soda and water will do the trick, mix the together and grab a brush. The baking soda just neutralizes the acids so its safer and scrub with a wire brush like ghostaccord said.

 

Haha now I feel like a tool for buying the spray


Thanks for the responses guys. I do need the rubber covers, i'll get those today.

One more question, are the battery connectors specific? or can I pick any up at like wal mart ?

 

Just save that battery acid and give it to some junkie to shoot up, saying it's some wonder drug. I just use baking soda and warm water with a little metal scrub brush.