One of the main reasons many cars break down over the winter and people need to call for roadside assistance is due to the battery. There are many reasons why a battery will die, including electrolyte levels being too low, the alternator not charging it probably, loose wiring cables, and corroded terminals. Some of these issues need to be fixed at a home or at an auto repair shop, but a couple of the others can be fixed wherever you break down. If you are a new driver and have never had to check the battery before, here is what you should do if the problem is loose terminal connections or corroded terminals.

Check Terminal Wires

Open the hood and look inside the engine compartment for the battery. The battery is typically located on the left or right side of the engine. There will be a black cable and a red cable running to the battery terminals. The cables are either screwed into the side of the battery or they have a clamp that you put over the terminal posts sticking out of the top of the battery. Grab the cables and give them a twist. If they move easily, you will need to tighten them down with a wrench. You need to use a ½" wrench on the post terminals and a 5/16" wrench on the bolts for the side terminals.

You should also check the cables for any damage. If you find any fraying or tears on the cables, wrap the damaged area with electrical tape. This will hold long enough until you get the cables replaced.

Cleaning Terminals

You should also check for corrosion on and around the battery terminals. The corrosion will look like a white chalky material and it needs to be removed. Corrosion drains the battery of power and it will prevent you from being able to start your car.

Remove the negative (black) cable first and push it to the side so it doesn't come in contact with the terminals, and then you take off the positive (red) cable.

Use a small wire brush or sandpaper to clean off the corrosion. Run the wire brush over the corrosion to break it apart so it flakes off of the battery terminal. Take a clean rag and wipe the terminals and top of battery to remove the flakes. You also need to clean the cable connections to the battery. Make sure you get inside the clamps for the post terminals and remove any corrosion.

Take some hot water and pour it over the terminals and connections. The hot water will rinse away any remaining corrosion.

Replace the positive cable first and then the negative cable. Tighten the nuts so they are snug.

Start Car

If the problem was loose cables or corrosion, the car should start right up now that the connections are clean and the cables are tight. Otherwise, call a repair shop, like Ragans Mac Auto Sales And Service.

Share