Need help with car problems

[Reality]

I have always just poured part of a bottle/can of soda (Coke, Pepsi, etc.) on it and it clears it up right away.

 

[RaZon]

I have always just poured part of a bottle/can of soda (Coke, Pepsi, etc.) on it and it clears it up right away.

Like I said not much with car stuff but this is a new problem that started a few months ago. It is my wifes car so don't want her stranded,

 

[Reality]

Like I said not much with car stuff but this is a new problem that started a few months ago. It is my wifes car so don't want her stranded,

In case you did not realize, I was being serious. The acid in the soda will neutralize the corrosion very quickly.

That said, if the battery is old, then you may want to consider buying a new battery for her car. Some auto parts places like AutoZone will check your battery for free.

 

[JohnnyTheFox]

$100 is the cheapest I've seen a battery in probably 10 years. Maybe it's an East Coast thing, or the type of car you have?

Yep, remember the days when you could get a great battery for 50$. Not anymore, last one i got was closer to 200$. What a crock of you know what.

 

[Warick]

Don't use soda, it just makes a mess. Get a large pitcher of warm water, and slowly pour over the corroded terminals, and it will wash the corrosion away. No need to remove cables or anything (though you can if the problem is really bad), and you don't have a sticky mess afterwards. Don't let the corrosion go on too long because it can damage the cables, and terminals. I check mine every week or so, or whenever I pop the hood, and if I see any, it gets a bath.

 

[Warick]

Here is a good video on batteries.

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

Stopped reading after “I have a Pontiac….”

 

[kskboys]

Here's what you do.

Open the hood. Take the cap off the radiator over flow tank. Start car and slowly back up. Buy new Chevy truck. Open hood. Replace radiator cap w/ cap from car. Close hood.

That is how you fix any car!!!!!

 

[Denim Chicken]

get yourself some of these. They are really cheap and will slow the corrosion buildup.

https://www.amazon.com/UTSAUTO-Batt...t=&hvlocphy=9008492&hvtargid=pla-661831252230

 

[Runwildboys]

Quite bluntly, if you're as mechanically uninclined as you say, bring the car to a mechanic or an auto parts store and let them check it out, especially since it's your wife's car.

 

[Cowpolk]

get yourself some of these. They are really cheap and will slow the corrosion buildup.

https://www.amazon.com/UTSAUTO-Batt...t=&hvlocphy=9008492&hvtargid=pla-661831252230

Have used them and they work pretty well

 

[Vtwin]

The stuff I bought looked a lot like Vaseline and was about the same consistency It may have stuff in it that specifically prevents corrosion I dont really know though

The "special" stuff is silicon based rather than petroleum based. It's easier on rubber and plastics and might last longer in some situations.

Any non-conductive grease will work on the battery terminals. I like Vaseline because it works well and it cleans up real easy.