How to Clean Car Battery Corrosion

It’s essential to look after your car battery if you want to keep your vehicle running smoothly. One of the most common problems with car batteries is corrosion, which leads to decreased power and, eventually, a complete breakdown.

You can easily clean the corrosion off the car battery yourself with materials easily found around the house, like baking soda, vinegar, and boiling water.

Understanding how to clean will help prevent battery issues and maintain its performance.

In this article, we will discuss the best methods of how to clean car battery corrosion, what materials you need and how to safely handle your car’s battery.

What Causes Car Battery Corrosion?

Corrosion is caused by the sulphuric acid present in the cells of a car battery. This acid produces a white powdery residue on the terminal clamps and other metal parts caused by the chemical reaction between the acid and the metal.

Corrosion can also be caused by a lack of use because when a battery is not used for an extended period of time, it will discharge itself and create a sulphuric acid residue that accumulates on its terminals.

Other factors, such as extreme temperatures and moisture, can also accelerate the corrosion process.

Flickr Image by Rich Moffitt

How to Know if Your Car Battery Has Corrosion

The most obvious sign that your car battery has corrosion is a white powdery residue on the terminals.

You may also notice that the battery is slow to start or takes longer than normal to charge. If you haven’t been using your car for a few weeks or more, corrosion could be the cause.

Cleaning car batteries can be a tricky job, but it is an important one. As part of your regular car maintenance routine, you should inspect and clean your car’s battery terminals to keep them from corroding and causing problems with your vehicle.

Corrosion buildup on battery terminals results in poor electrical connections or even a dead battery. Read on to learn how to clean car battery corrosion and keep your car running smoothly.

What Materials Can You Use to Clean Corrosion?

The best way to clean corrosion off is with a combination of baking soda and water.

Baking soda is a natural cleaning agent which is non-toxic and safe to use on car batteries.

You will also need a brush, preferably a plastic one, to scrub the corrosion off your terminals. Other items you need include a pair of safety glasses and gloves, as well as a rag or cloth. Once you have gathered the necessary supplies, you can begin to clean off your car battery’s corrosion.

Step By Step Guide to Clean Car Battery Corrosion

Before you start cleaning your battery, remember that car batteries contain dangerous chemicals which can be hazardous to both humans and the environment. Therefore, always take the proper safety precautions when handling a car battery.

1. Disconnect the Battery

Disconnect the negative cable from your battery terminal first. Make sure all electrical connections are disconnected before starting any maintenance on a battery.

2. Prepare the Cleaning Solution

Mix baking soda and water to make a thick paste. You can also use distilled vinegar or cola instead of baking soda, but make sure to use gloves when handling these acidic solutions.

3. Apply the Cleaning Solution

Once the cleaning solution is ready, apply it to the battery terminals and let it sit for a few minutes. This gives the baking soda or other ingredients time to break down any corrosion that has built up on the terminals.

4. Remove Corrosion with a Brush

Using a small wire brush, start scrubbing away at the corrosion on the battery terminals. Be careful not to scratch or damage the terminals while you’re cleaning them.

5. Rinse and Dry

After you have removed all of the corrosion, rinse off the paste with water and dry it off using a cloth or paper towel.

6. Grease Battery Terminals

After the terminals are dry, apply a light coat of grease or petroleum jelly to each terminal. This will keep them from corroding again in the future.

7. Reconnect Battery Cables

Finally, reconnect the negative cable to your battery and make sure all connections are secure.

Can You Clean It Yourself?

Cleaning corrosion off your car battery is a fairly straightforward process that can be done easily by anyone with the right tools and materials.

With the right know-how and a little bit of patience, you can get your car battery looking like new in no time. Just make sure to follow the steps above carefully, and you’ll be ready to hit the road!

how to clean the corrosion off a car battery

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Battery_Terminal_Corrision.jpg

What to Do After Cleaning

Once you’ve cleaned the corrosion off your car battery, it’s important to take preventative measures to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

Protecting the Terminals

The terminals of your car battery are especially susceptible to corrosion, so protect them with the following steps.

Remove any excess dirt or debris from the terminals with a stiff brush and warm soapy water.
Apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly to the terminals and wires to protect them from moisture. This will make it easier for you to spot corrosion in the future.

Slide the plastic cover over your car battery terminals to safeguard them against moisture and dirt.

Recharging Your Battery

Your car battery will need to be recharged after cleaning. It’s best to do this with a battery charger or jump starter, as the constant current from these devices will help extend the life of your battery.

If you don’t have access to a charger or jump starter, you can use jumper cables to charge your battery.

Testing Your Battery

Once you’ve recharged your car battery, it’s a good idea to test it with a multimeter or voltage tester.

This will help you identify any underlying issues that may have caused the corrosion in the first place. If your battery is still not holding a charge, you may need to replace it.

Storing Your Battery Properly

Finally, proper storage is key to preventing battery corrosion.

Make sure that your car battery is stored in a clean, dry place, away from extreme temperatures. If you need to store your battery for an extended period of time, you can buy a storage box specifically designed for this purpose.

By following these steps, you can ensure that the battery stays clean and corrosion-free.

Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for maintaining the optimal performance of your car battery and keeping your vehicle running smoothly. With a little bit of effort, you can ensure that the battery remains in top condition for years to come.

What to Avoid

When cleaning your car battery, avoid doing the following:

Don’t use corrosive chemicals such as acid, bleach, or ammonia. These can damage your battery and the terminals.
Don’t use steel wool or abrasive materials to clean it.

Don’t overcharge or undercharge your battery. This can cause permanent damage and reduce its lifespan.
Don’t leave it exposed to extreme temperatures or moisture for extended periods of time.

What Other Maintenance is Needed for Car Batteries?

In addition to cleaning and maintaining your battery, there are a few other things you can do to prolong its life.

Check your car’s charging system regularly to ensure it is working properly.
Test your battery regularly to identify any potential issues before they become major problems.
Monitor the electrical system in your car to make sure it is functioning properly.

Use the right type of battery for your car and replace it when necessary.

Tips and Tricks to Take Care of Your Car Battery

Park your car in a shady spot to prevent the battery from overheating.
Make sure all of the connections are tightly secured at all times to ensure good conductivity.

Clean the battery terminals and posts regularly with baking soda and a wire brush.
Check the fluid level of the battery monthly and add distilled water if needed.
Make sure your vehicle’s alternator is functioning properly and that the battery is recharging correctly.

Keep an eye on your car’s overall electrical system to ensure there are no out-of-the-ordinary drainers.
Avoid jump-starting your car’s battery if at all possible.
Replace your battery every 3 to 5 years, depending on its current condition and usage.

Avoid overcharging your battery, as it can cause corrosion and shorten its lifespan.
Store your car battery in a cool, dry place when it’s not in use.

Final Thoughts

Corrosion is a common issue with car batteries. Proper cleaning and maintenance can help you extend their life and keep them running efficiently.

Avoid using corrosive chemicals and steel wool, as well as overcharging or undercharging it.

Regularly testing the charging system and checking the fluid levels are also vital for maintaining your car battery. With the aforementioned tips, you can ensure that your car battery provides reliable performance for years to come.