Corrosion on Your Vehicle’s Battery: What It Is and How to Deal with It
Imagine this: You load up the kids to head to Downtown Hickory for the day, but the car won’t start. And when you pop the hood and check out the battery, you find it’s covered with a whiteish/green crud. So, could this problem be battery corrosion?
Battery corrosion is a common issue that many vehicle owners face, and is often overlooked until it causes problems. Yet over time, corrosion can accumulate on your battery terminals. And this can lead to starting issues, reduced electrical performance, or even complete battery failure. So in this blog the experts at Meineke in Hickory review what causes this corrosion and how to prevent or address to save you from unnecessary headaches and costly repairs.
What Causes Battery Corrosion?
Corrosion on your vehicle’s battery typically appears as a white, ashy substance around the terminals (where the battery cables connect). And this buildup happens for a few reasons:
- Hydrogen Gas Leakage: When your battery charges or discharges, it releases hydrogen gas. But, over time, this gas can escape through small vent holes, reacting with other substances under your hood to form corrosion.
- Electrolyte Leakage: If your battery is overfilled or damaged, the electrolyte fluid inside the battery may leak out, leading to corrosion on the terminals.
- Old Age: As your battery ages, it becomes more prone to corrosion. Because, the older a battery is, the more it struggles to maintain a proper charge, releasing more gas and fluids in the process.
- Environmental Factors: Humidity, temperature fluctuations, and exposure to the elements can speed up the corrosion process.
How Does Battery Corrosion Affect Your Vehicle?
Battery corrosion can cause several problems, many of which affect your vehicle’s performance:
- Difficulty Starting: Corrosion on the battery terminals can disrupt the flow of electricity between the battery and the engine. And this makes it harder for your car to start.
- Electrical Issues: A corroded battery may result in dimming headlights, malfunctioning dashboard lights, or a weakened radio signal.
- Shortened Battery Life: If corrosion goes untreated, it can shorten the lifespan of your battery, eventually leading to total battery failure.
- Increased Risk of Breakdowns: In extreme cases, untreated battery corrosion could leave you stranded with a dead vehicle, requiring towing or a jump start.
How to Deal with Battery Corrosion
Luckily, battery corrosion is easy to clean and prevent with the right tools and a little maintenance. So, let look at what you can do:
1. Inspect the Battery Regularly
Routinely check your battery for signs of corrosion. Because catching the issue early allows you to clean it up before it causes bigger problems. So, look for a chalky white or blue-green buildup around the battery terminals and cables.
2. Clean the Corrosion
To clean corrosion from your battery, follow these steps:
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- Safety First: Always wear gloves and safety goggles when working with a car battery, as battery acid can be dangerous. And make sure the vehicle is turned off. Then, disconnect the battery by removing the negative (black) cable first, followed by the positive (red) cable.
- Prepare a Cleaning Solution: A simple mixture of baking soda and water works wonders for removing corrosion. So, use about one tablespoon of baking soda to one cup of water.
- Scrub the Terminals: Use a wire brush or an old toothbrush to scrub the corroded areas with your baking soda solution. Because, the mixture will neutralize the acid, making it safe to clean off the corrosion.
- Rinse and Dry: Once the corrosion is scrubbed away, rinse the terminals with clean water and wipe them dry with a rag or towel.
3. Apply a Protective Coating
Once the terminals are clean and dry, you can apply a protective layer to prevent future corrosion. So, use petroleum jelly or battery terminal protectant spray (available at most auto parts stores) as either works well for this.
4. Reconnect the Battery
After cleaning and applying the protectant, reconnect the battery cables by attaching the positive cable first, followed by the negative cable.
How to Prevent Future Corrosion
Prevention is key to keeping your battery in good shape for the long haul. So let’s look at how you can minimize corrosion buildup:
- Use Anti-Corrosion Pads: These felt pads, placed under the terminal connectors, absorb battery acid and help prevent corrosion from forming.
- Keep the Battery Clean and Dry: Regularly wipe down your battery to remove dust, dirt, or moisture that could lead to corrosion.
- Check for Leaks: Keep an eye on your battery for any signs of fluid leakage or damage. And if you notice cracks or bloating in the battery casing, it’s time for a replacement.
- Replace Old Batteries: Batteries typically last 3-5 years. So if your battery is older and frequently showing signs of corrosion, it might be time to invest in a new one.
Meineke in Hickory Can Help if Your Battery has Corrosion
So, call Meineke in Hickory because battery corrosion is a small issue that can lead to bigger problems if left unchecked. And by staying on top of maintenance, you’ll avoid frustrating breakdowns and costly repairs in the long run.
If the Meineke in Hickory, NC is not a convenient location, check out these other locally-owned Meineke North and South Carolina locations:
North Carolina
MEINEKE ASHEVILLE #1596
801 Fairview Road Suite 14
Asheville, NC 28803
Call (833) 720-9793
MEINEKE ASHEVILLE #2467
124 Patton Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801
Call (833) 243-0637
MEINEKE MOORESVILLE #1931
190 E. Plaza Drive
Mooresville, NC 28115
Call (980) 444-0002
MEINEKE LINCOLNTON #2159
2009 East Main Street
Lincolnton, NC 28092
Call (704) 240-9839
MEINEKE WALKERTOWN #2394
5267 Neal Trail Dr
Walkertown, NC 27051
Call (877) 688-8804
MEINEKE ARDEN #2468
2137 Hendersonville Road
Arden, NC 28704
Call (844) 891-3628
MEINEKE HICKORY #2884
1052 11th Avenue Blvd SE
Hickory, NC 28602
Call (828) 270-7267
South Carolina
MEINEKE EASLEY #2983
6949 Calhoun Memorial Hwy
Easley, SC 29640
Call (864) 644-8872
MEINEKE ROCK HILL #1134
2366 Dave Lyle Boulevard
Rock Hill, SC 29730-8931
Call (803) 328-6677
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