Your car battery is one of the most vital parts on the vehicle. When the battery doesn’t retain a charge, your car won’t start. When the terminals for battery get corroded, it can cause problems. You may not need a new one, but you do need to get the terminals cleaned. Here’s what to know about corrosion on your car battery.
Causes of Battery Corrosion and How to Prevent It
Corrosion is a natural process in which a refined metal deteriorates. Rust is a common type of corrosion, as is the tarnish on silver. If you see a white or green powder on your battery terminals, they are corroded. This happens when the chemicals inside the battery escape and come into contact with the metal on the terminal. It’s science. There are many reasons a battery can become corroded:
- Overcharging the battery
- Adding too much water during maintenance
- Bad weather
- Your battery is leaking electrolytes
- Your battery is old
Corrosion reduces battery life. Your car may not start or have problems starting, because it isn’t getting charged. Your car may not have enough power to run electrical components. You can prevent corrosion by coating your battery terminals with a battery terminal protector. But first, you need to remove the corrosion.
Cleaning Battery Corrosion Safely and Effectively
Although corrosion is a natural process, the buildup on a car battery is caustic. Use heavy duty gloves and eye protection while you’re cleaning the terminals.
- Make sure the car is turned off.
- Detach the negative cable first. It’s usually black and has the abbreviation “NEG” or “-“ on it. If you don’t disconnect this terminal first, you may get a shock. Do it quickly, to prevent electrical sparks. Then, detach the red cable, or positive (POS). Inspect the battery cables for fraying and cracks. If they are worn, it’s best to replace them.
- Remove the battery from the car. While you’re cleaning the battery, place it in a bucket or pan that collects the material you’re washing off. Don’t loose the battery terminal bolt while you’re cleaning.
- Brush off any loose corrosion and dirt. Let it fall into the pan. Use a battery terminal cleaner to spray on the battery to neutralize the corrosion. You can also use a mixture of baking soda and warm water. Mix the solution and use a rag to wipe away corrosion instead of pouring it onto the battery. Be careful not to get the corrosion on your skin or in your eyes. Clean the clamps that connect your battery to the terminals.
- Rinse each terminal and the clamps with clean water. Use a microfiber cloth to completely dry everything. Place a small amount of petroleum jelly on the terminals once they are dry before attaching the cables.
- Reconnect the battery. Connect the positive terminal first. Then, connect the negative terminal. Replace the battery hold downs. Check that your car starts.
Battery Corrosion
Most people can clean corroded battery terminals at home, if you have a few tools and accessories. Find everything you need to take care of your vehicle.