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Car Battery Corrosion: How to Clean and Prevent It Like a Pro

March 18, 2023 By Kurt Gorman Leave a Comment

A car battery is an essential component of any vehicle. It provides the electrical power needed to start the engine, run accessories and provide lighting. However, over time, battery terminals can become corroded, leading to a number of issues. This corrosion can affect the performance of the battery and even render it useless. In this post, we’ll discuss the causes of car battery corrosion, the symptoms to look for, and how to clean it up.

Car battery corrosion is caused by the buildup of sulfuric acid fumes on the battery terminals. These fumes are produced when the battery is charging and discharging. If the battery terminals are not cleaned regularly, the acid will eat away at the metal, causing corrosion. The corrosion can take the form of white powdery deposits or a greenish-white crust. This buildup can interfere with the flow of electricity from the battery to the car, leading to a loss of power and performance.

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    Optima Batteries 8020-164 35 RedTop Starting Battery
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    Optima Batteries 8004-003 34/78 RedTop Starting Battery
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Symptoms of car battery corrosion include a slow engine crank, a dimming of the headlights, and a decrease in power to the electrical accessories. If left unchecked, the corrosion can lead to a complete loss of electrical power, leaving the vehicle unable to start. To avoid these issues, it’s important to regularly clean the battery terminals and to replace the battery if it is showing signs of corrosion. Cleaning the battery terminals is a simple process that involves using a wire brush to remove the buildup and then applying a protective coating of petroleum jelly or dielectric grease.

Car Battery Corrosion Overview

Contents show
1 Car Battery Corrosion Overview
2 Car Battery Corrosion Comparison Table
3 Equipment To Work With Car Battery Corrosion
4 Step By Step Instruction On How To Clean Car Battery Corrosion
5 F.A.Q.
5.1 What causes car battery corrosion?
5.2 How do I know if my car battery has corrosion?
5.3 Can corrosion damage my car battery?
5.4 What is the best way to prevent car battery corrosion?
5.5 Can I clean up car battery corrosion myself?
5.6 What should I do if the corrosion is severe?
5.7 Is it safe to clean up car battery corrosion?

So, car battery corrosion is a common issue that occurs due to the buildup of sulfuric acid fumes on the battery terminals. This happens when the battery is charging and discharging, and the fumes can eat away at the metal, causing corrosion. The corrosion can take the form of white powdery deposits or a greenish-white crust and can affect the performance of the battery by interfering with the flow of electricity from the battery to the car.

Using petroleum jelly or dielectric grease to coat the battery terminals after cleaning can be extremely effective in preventing further corrosion. It creates a barrier between the metal and the acid fumes, thus preventing any further damage. You can also using baking soda and water to clean up the corrosion, which works exceptionally well, too. Simply mix a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the corroded areas, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it off with water and dry the battery terminals thoroughly.

Another product is battery terminal protectors. These are special covers that fit over the battery terminals and prevent acid fumes from coming into contact with the metal. They are made from materials that are resistant to corrosion, such as silicone or PVC, and are very easy to install. They’re a fantastic solution for those who want to prevent corrosion from occurring in the first place.

In conclusion, car battery corrosion can be prevented and cleaned up using a variety of products, methods, and materials. From the tried-and-true petroleum jelly and baking soda, to the innovative battery terminal protectors, there are plenty of options available for keeping your car battery in top condition.

Car Battery Corrosion Comparison Table

  1. Petroleum Jelly or Dielectric Grease: These substances create a barrier between the metal and the acid fumes, thus preventing further corrosion. They are easy to apply and can be found at most auto parts stores.
  2. Baking Soda and Water: Mixing baking soda and water to create a paste that can be applied to the corroded areas is an effective way to clean up car battery corrosion. Simply let the paste sit for a few minutes, then rinse it off with water and dry the battery terminals thoroughly.
  3. Battery Terminal Protectors: These are special covers that fit over the battery terminals and prevent acid fumes from coming into contact with the metal. They are made from materials that are resistant to corrosion, such as silicone or PVC, and are very easy to install.
Product/MethodEase of UseEffectivenessCost
Petroleum Jelly or Dielectric GreaseEasyModerately EffectiveInexpensive
Baking Soda and WaterEasyEffectiveInexpensive
Battery Terminal ProtectorsEasyHighly EffectiveModerately Inexpensive

As you can see, each option has its own pros and cons. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and the level of protection you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a quick and easy solution, either petroleum jelly or dielectric grease, or baking soda and water might be the best option. But if you want the highest level of protection, battery terminal protectors are the way to go.

Equipment To Work With Car Battery Corrosion

EquipmentPurpose
Petroleum Jelly or Dielectric GreaseTo coat the battery terminals and prevent further corrosion
Baking SodaTo mix with water to create a paste for cleaning up corrosion
Rags or clothsTo clean and dry the battery terminals
Battery Terminal ProtectorsTo cover the battery terminals and prevent acid fumes from coming into contact with the metal
Wire BrushesTo scrub away corrosion from the battery terminals
Latex GlovesTo protect your hands from the acid fumes and baking soda paste
Protective EyewearTo protect your eyes from the acid fumes and baking soda paste

Step By Step Instruction On How To Clean Car Battery Corrosion

  1. Gather the equipment: You will need baking soda, water, rags or cloths, wire brushes, latex gloves, and protective eyewear.
  2. Put on protective gear: Make sure to put on latex gloves and protective eyewear before starting the process.
  3. Mix the paste: In a small bowl, mix equal parts of baking soda and water to create a paste.
  4. Apply the paste: Using a cloth, apply the paste to the corroded areas on the battery terminals. Let the paste sit for 5-10 minutes.
  5. Scrub the corrosion: Use a wire brush to scrub away the corrosion. Make sure to scrub gently to avoid damaging the battery terminals.
  6. Rinse the terminals: Rinse the terminals with water to remove any remaining paste.
  7. Dry the terminals: Use a clean cloth to dry the battery terminals thoroughly.
  8. Apply petroleum jelly or dielectric grease: Once the terminals are dry, you can apply petroleum jelly or dielectric grease to the surface to prevent further corrosion.
  9. Replace the battery terminals: If the corrosion has damaged the battery terminals, they may need to be replaced to ensure proper functioning of the battery.
  10. Reinstall the battery: Once the battery terminals have been cleaned and coated with petroleum jelly or dielectric grease, you can reinstall the battery in your vehicle.

F.A.Q.

What causes car battery corrosion?

Car battery corrosion is caused by acid fumes from the battery leaking onto the metal battery terminals. Over time, these acid fumes can eat away at the metal and cause corrosion.

How do I know if my car battery has corrosion?

You can tell if your car battery has corrosion by looking for white or green buildup around the battery terminals. This buildup is a clear sign of corrosion.

Can corrosion damage my car battery?

Yes, corrosion can damage your car battery. If the corrosion is not cleaned up and prevented, it can cause the battery terminals to break down and not function properly, which can lead to a dead battery.

What is the best way to prevent car battery corrosion?

The best way to prevent car battery corrosion is to coat the battery terminals with petroleum jelly or dielectric grease. You can also use battery terminal protectors, which fit over the battery terminals and prevent acid fumes from coming into contact with the metal.

Can I clean up car battery corrosion myself?

Yes, cleaning up car battery corrosion is a simple process that you can do yourself with baking soda, water, rags or cloths, wire brushes, latex gloves, and protective eyewear.

What should I do if the corrosion is severe?

If the corrosion is severe, you may need to replace the battery terminals. This is a job that should be performed by a professional mechanic.

Is it safe to clean up car battery corrosion?

Yes, it is safe to clean up car battery corrosion, but you should always wear protective gloves and eyewear to protect yourself from the acid fumes.

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    Optima Batteries OPT8040-218 D35 YellowTop Dual Purpose Battery

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About Kurt Gorman

Kurt Gorman is a 43-year-old Auto Body Painter that prepares vehicles to be painted and apply paint coats for touch-up repairs or just to satisfy a customer's desire to change the car's color. Read More.

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