Cable Cleaning

The battery cable connections should be cleaned once a year. Clean the battery terminals AND the inside of the battery cables down to bare metal.

The number "my car won't start" problem -- with new cars or old -- is the battery cable connections.

Note: If the positive battery cable is really bad, replace it. Reasons to replace it include:

Remove the negative battery cable first so that any accidental touch of the wrench will not cause a spark
Remove the positive battery cable
Wipe the battery down with a damp cloth. In a glass, mix a bit of Baking Soda with water. This is a base solution which will nuetralize any acid film on the battery. Carefully wipe the top of the battery clean. Dry with a paper towel.
Dip the battery cable terminals ends in the glass to nuetralize acid deposits
Use a battery brush to make the battery posts shiny. Alternatively, you can scrape the posts with a flat screwdrive until shiny bare metal is showing all around.
Use the battery brush on the inside of the cable ends. Or scrape with a knife.
Coat the bare metal with battery-spray (alternatively, you can use a thin coating of grease or clean oil). This helps protect against corrosion.
Replace positive cable and tighten to specification (not too tight!)
Replace positive cable and tighten to specification
Test for proper car operation, including starting the engine
Reset the radio presets

Battery Maintenance