Understanding Corrosion on Your Vehicle’s Battery Terminals: Causes, Damage, and Prevention
Picture this: you’ve loaded the kids into the car to head for a fun-filled day at the Louisville Zoo. But, instead of hitting the road, your vehicle fails to start. So, you pop the hood and take a look at the battery. And you notice a white, blue, or greenish substance caking around the terminals.
This buildup is corrosion, a common issue that affects many vehicle batteries. And while it might seem harmless at first glance, it can lead to significant problems if left unchecked. So, in this blog, the experts at Meineke in Louisville explain what battery terminal corrosion is, how it forms, what kind of damage it can cause, and most importantly, how you can prevent it from happening.
What is Corrosion on Battery Terminals?
Corrosion is a chemical reaction that happens when your car’s battery terminals, which are made of metal, come into contact with the hydrogen gas that’s emitted from the battery acid. And when the hydrogen gas reacts with the metal on the terminals and the surrounding air, it forms a white or bluish-green substance known as corrosion. Furthermore, this buildup is most common on older batteries or batteries that are exposed to extreme temperatures.
What Damage Does Corrosion Cause?
Corrosion around the battery terminals can lead to several issues, some of which may seriously affect your vehicle’s performance. So, let’s take a look at the problems corrosion can cause:
Poor Electrical Connection
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- Battery terminals serve as the critical connection point between the battery and the vehicle’s electrical system. But corrosion interferes with this connection, restricting the flow of electricity. And this can result in slow starts, dim headlights, and other electrical problems because your vehicle isn’t receiving enough power.
Battery Drain
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- Corrosion can cause your battery to work harder than it should, leading to an increased power drain. And over time, this added strain can wear down the battery, shortening its lifespan and potentially leaving you stranded with a dead battery.
Engine Performance Issues
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- When corrosion builds up, it can reduce the battery’s ability to send power to your vehicle’s engine. And this affects ignition and overall performance. So, you might notice sluggish engine starts, or in some cases, the engine may not start at all.
Terminal and Cable Damage
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- If corrosion is left unattended for too long, it can begin to damage the battery terminals and the cables connected to them. And this may result in costly repairs, as the terminals and possibly even the battery itself may need to be replaced.
How to Prevent Battery Terminal Corrosion
Preventing corrosion from forming on your battery terminals is key to keeping your vehicle running smoothly. So, let look at some effective tips to help you prevent corrosion buildup:
Regular Inspections and Cleaning
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- Make it a habit to check your battery terminals regularly. And if you notice any corrosion forming, clean it as soon as possible. So, clean battery terminals with a simple mixture of baking soda and water. Because this neutralizes the acid. And then scrub the terminals with a wire brush or an old toothbrush. Also, be sure to wear gloves and protective eyewear while cleaning.
Apply a Protective Coating
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- After cleaning the terminals, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or dielectric grease. Because this will help protect them from future corrosion, acting as a barrier to prevent the hydrogen gas from reacting with the metal.
Use Anti-Corrosion Washers
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- Anti-corrosion washers are small felt or rubber rings that fit around the battery terminals. And these washers are treated with a chemical compound that helps prevent corrosion. Because, this can be an inexpensive way to extend the life of your battery.
Avoid Overcharging the Battery
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- Overcharging your battery can cause an excessive release of hydrogen gas. And this accelerates corrosion buildup. So, make sure your battery is properly maintained and that your vehicle’s charging system is functioning correctly to prevent overcharging.
Ensure a Tight Connection
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- Loose connections between the battery terminals and the cables can create tiny electrical arcs that can contribute to corrosion. So, make sure the terminals are snugly secured to prevent unnecessary buildup.
Replace the Battery When Needed
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- Corrosion is more likely to occur as your battery ages. So if your battery is several years old and you notice frequent corrosion buildup, it might be time to replace it. Because, regularly replacing an aging battery can save you from larger electrical issues down the road.
Meineke in Louisville Can Help if You Discover Corrosion on Your Battery
Corrosion on your vehicle’s battery terminals is more than just an unsightly problem—it leads to poor engine performance, electrical issues, and even a dead battery if left untreated. So, if you’re ever in doubt about the condition of your battery or how to properly clean the terminals, don’t hesitate to call Meineke in Louisville. Because their ASE certified mechanics will ensure you avoid the headaches that come with corrosion buildup and keep your vehicle running smoothly year-round.
If the Meineke on Preston Hwy. in Louisville is not a convenient auto repair center for you, Meineke has 15 car repair centers is Kentucky:
Meineke Car Care – Dixie Hwy.
5326 DIXIE HWY
Louisville, KY 40216
Call (844) 311-4548
Meineke Car Care – Preston Hwy.
7103 Preston Highway
Louisville, KY 40219
Call (844) 605-8457
Meineke Car Care – Bardstown Rd.
4170 Bardstown Road
Louisville, KY 40218
Call (844) 321-3541
Meineke Car Care – East. Broadway
701 East Broadway
Louisville, KY 40202
Call (855) 973-7820
Meineke Car Care – Outer Loop
6420 Outer Loop
Louisville, KY 40228
Call (844) 417-2336
Meineke Car Care – Shelbyville Rd.
11514 Shelbyville Road
Louisville, KY 40243
Call (844) 352-0216
Meineke Car Care – Dupont Rd.
1019 Dupont Road
Louisville, KY 40207
Call (502) 791-9526
Meineke Car Care – Plantside Dr.
10723 Plantside Drive
Louisville, KY 40299
Call (502) 536-9765
Meineke Car Care – So. Dixie Blvd.
2197 South Dixie Blvd.
Radcliff, KY 40160
Call (866) 548-1474
Meineke Car Care – Shelbyville Rd.
3949 Shelbyville Rd
St. Matthews, KY 40207
Call (888) 633-4889
Meineke Car Care – N. Dixie Hwy.
1400 N. Dixie Hwy.
Elizabethtown, KY 42701
Call (877) 439-7844
Meineke Car Care – Midland Trail
2000 Midland Trail
Shelbyville, KY 40065
Call (844) 681-4659
Meineke Car Care – W. Hwy. 146
3717 KY-146
Buckner, KY 40010
Call (844) 353-6212
Meineke Car Care – Peachtree Rd.
100 Peachtree Road
Nicholasville, KY 40356
Call (859) 687-8290
Meineke Car Care – Arrowhead Ct.
101 Arrowhead Court
Frankfort, KY 40601
Call (833) 723-5010
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