a can that has only been open for an hour? I've been told those three different timeframes and wonder which is true. I remember seeing it done on Myth Busters, so I know it works...I just don't remember the timeframe of how soon the Coke can be used. Any suggestions?
2006-06-29 04:20:03 · 6 answers · asked by ? 6 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Coke and cola will clean a battery but it just makes a mess everywhere since it is a sticky syrup.
Easier way is just get a box of baking soda, a small wire brush (or an actual battery terminal cleaner brush) and a mug of water.
Mix some baking soda and water on the battery corrosion area and scrub with wire brush.
If you just have corrosion on the posts and not all over the battery, the soda or baking soda isn't needed. Just a good battery terminal wire brush would be needed.
2006-06-29 04:25:28 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Don't use Coke to clean a battery! None of those timeframes is correct. Coke is slightly acidic. To propery clean a battery, you need something that is alkaline in order to neutralize the acidic compounds that form on a battery over time.
Use a solution of 1 or 2 tablespoons of baking soda dissolved in a quart of water. Make sure that none of the solution gets inside the battery.
Mythbusters did try coke as a cleaning compound but it did not live up to the hype. It has some value removing rust though there are far better compounds available. It is useless for cleaning a battery properly! Coke CANNOT neutralize the acidic compounds that build up on the outside of a battery. DON'T USE IT!
2006-06-29 04:27:44 · answer #2 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just forget about Cola...coke or otherwise
Arm&Hammer Baking Soda (that stuff in your fridge), mixed with water into a thin paste (think baby cereal), and an old toothbrush will effectively neutralize the acid build-up on your battery. Just be sure to wipe it off.
Soda is a Base...it neutralizes Acid
2006-06-29 20:12:26 · answer #3 · answered by d_cider1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
on mythbusters they found it not so good go to auto zone buy a battery cleaning brush work great also if your battery cable bolts to battery terminal might loosen bolts remove cable brush corrosion of cable & terminal there too....battery cleaner brush not a reamer should have wire bristles on both ends one side being conceiled under handle only costs few dollars & works ...also dont use red/green corrosion resist washers under battery terminals as they dont work only hold terminal up higher which can lead to it becoming loose
2006-06-29 04:31:12 · answer #4 · answered by assaultwpn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've always used a solution of baking soda in water.
2006-06-29 04:25:43 · answer #5 · answered by oldman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try using hot water, the "white built up" will just "dissolve" away
2006-06-29 04:34:23 · answer #6 · answered by joe j 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋