Your car battery is the heart of your vehicle – its condition directly impacts your car’s reliability, especially in winter. One of the most common issues that can lead to starting difficulties is oxidation and corrosion of the battery terminals. Fortunately, there is a simple way to protect against this problem: technical petroleum jelly.
In this DIY guide, we’ll show you step by step how to properly clean and protect your battery terminals to avoid power issues and extend your battery’s lifespan.
Why should you protect your car battery terminals?
Over time, a white or greenish residue may appear on the battery terminals – this is a clear sign of oxidation and corrosion, which can lead to:
- Weaker electrical contact – causing starting problems.
- Voltage loss – leading to faster battery discharge.
- Terminal clamp seizing – making it harder to remove or replace the battery.
- Increased risk of short circuits – which may cause serious electrical issues.
Applying technical petroleum jelly effectively insulates the terminals from moisture, prevents oxidation, and makes future clamp removal easier.
How to protect your car battery? Step by step guide
🛠️ Materials Needed:
- Wrench (flat or socket) – to loosen the terminal clamps.
- Wire brush or sandpaper – for cleaning.
- Kontakt S – a cleaner for removing oxides and sulfides.
- Kontakt U – a solution for rinsing off contaminants.
- Cloth or paper towel – for drying.
- Low-melting technical petroleum jelly – for terminal protection.
🔧 Step-by-Step Instructions:
1️⃣ Disconnect the Battery
Always start by loosening and removing the negative (-) terminal, followed by the positive (+) terminal. This prevents accidental short circuits.
2️⃣ Clean the Terminals Mechanically
Use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove corrosion and residue.
3️⃣ Remove Oxides and Sulfides
Spray Kontakt S on the terminals – it dissolves oxide and sulfide deposits, making mechanical cleaning easier.
4️⃣ Rinse Off Contaminants
Use Kontakt U to thoroughly remove dissolved dirt and residues.
5️⃣ Let It Evaporate or Wipe Dry
Allow the terminals to dry naturally or wipe them with a dry cloth.
6️⃣ Apply Technical Petroleum Jelly
Spread a thin layer of low-melting technical petroleum jelly on the terminals and the inner side of the clamps. This prevents further oxidation.
7️⃣ Reconnect and Secure the Clamps
First, attach the positive (+) terminal, followed by the negative (-) terminal. Tighten them firmly to remove excess petroleum jelly and ensure good electrical contact.
Conclusion – keep your car battery fully protected
Regular cleaning and protection of battery terminals will extend battery life and ensure reliable performance in all conditions. With just a few simple steps, you can prevent starting issues and avoid costly repairs.
