battery terminals and air filters

Hello all,

I'm planning a trip to the dealer to have the oil change done and
it seems like they charge for simple things like cleaning battery
terminals. Can this be done easily w/ household chemicals?
What about the air filter? It has been changed once and now the
car is at 45K. Not sure if it's ok to request valet to replace it
after purchase.

I have a genuine honda battery.

Thanks!

 

The battery terminals need to be removed from the battery in order to clean
them right. This requires some simple hand tools which you may or may not
have. It would be good to watch someone else do it the first time. The top
of the battery should be rinsed off with clean water if any battery fluid
has got on it.

I believe that the instructions for replacing the air filter are in the
owner's manual. If you have a new enough vehicle you will have a cabin air
filter too.

If this costs more than you want to pay, check out your local library for do
it yourself books or your local community college for a basic auto mechanics
course.

Saludos cordiales,

Earle

 

For the battery, you can use some baking soda mixed with water.

 

Can this type of cleaning be done in a place other than the dealer?
how about at autozone or walmart.

Note that my battery is a honda brand.

Let me know. Thanks

 

I have done it at the side of the freeway in the middle of the night,
raining, tractor trailers flying by. To clean the battery right, you want
to mix up a dilute solution of baking soda and water to rinse and neutralize
any battery acid that is on the case. Once you secure the proper tools, you
can do a quick cleaning without the rinse step.

I have seen dealers charge $5 for this service and not even do it...

This doesn't make any difference.

Saludos cordiales,

Earle

 

Seconded, it's a relatively simple procedure. Just a couple safety tips
to remember:

When you're working the nuts on the terminal clamps, be careful not to
let your wrench touch the other terminal(!!!!!!!!). Also, it's best to
remove the negative terminal first, as it's connected to the body of the
car, and if you remove the positive with it still attached, there's a
greater chance of your wrench shorting to the body.

Once the terminals are off, a cleaning brush like the one pictured here:
http://media.wiley.com/assets/3/47/fg0-7645-5089-6_0306.jpg will do a
good job of cleaning them and the posts. Should cost about $3-$4 at any
auto-parts store.

While you're at the Autozone (or your store of choice), pick up some
terminal grease as well - it's a dielectric grease that you use to cover
the posts to keep the air away and prevent corrosion.