How to Remove Corrosion From a Car Battery

 
It can be alarming to find that the terminals on your car’s battery are coated with corrosion, but the good thing is that it is fairly easy to remove corrosion from a car battery. This guide from the service team at Acura Turnersville will explain what causes battery corrosion and provide you with tips on how to clean car battery corrosion to help ensure that you get the most out of your battery. If you are having any issues with your car battery or if it’s time to replace the battery in your car, schedule an appointment with our service center near Cherry Hill today!
 

What Does Corrosion Look Like?

A build up of corrosion on your car’s battery can make it difficult to start your vehicle or cause low voltage codes to be displayed on the dash. If you experience either of these issues, you should inspect your battery for corrosion. Here’s how:

• Wait until your vehicle is fully cool and hasn’t been used for at least 30 minutes, then pop the hood so you can visually inspect the battery terminals.
• If the terminals are caked in a white or a green/blue/teal powdery material, you’re dealing with corrosion.
• While you’re inspecting your battery, you should also take note of any rust on the metal parts of your terminals and cables.

What Causes Car Battery Corrosion?

Your battery is constantly heating and cooling as you drive on the roads in and around Maple Shade, and it will release hydrogen gas through ventilation. What causes car battery corrosion? Over time this gas can mix with the surrounding material and begin to develop corrosion at the terminals. Increased build-up of corrosion can interfere with the electric connection causing a decrease in power and ultimately battery failure.

How to Clean Car Battery Corrosion

There are two basic ways to remove corrosion from a car battery. The easiest way is to purchase a car battery corrosion cleaner from your local Maple Shade-area auto parts store. Another way that can help you out in a pinch is to concoct a solution yourself using household products. Either way, you should wear gloves, goggles, and a respirator to protect yourself from contact with battery acid, electric currents, rust, and the cleaning solution itself. Here’s how to clean car battery corrosion:

Use a professional battery cleaner

• As noted above, a battery cleaning solution or other electrical contact cleaning spray can be purchased at just about any auto parts store. Spray liberally on the affected surface of the battery, then brush with a wire brush until all of the corrosion is removed. Make sure to follow the specific instructions included with the product.

DIY battery cleaning solution

• Remove the connectors from the terminal and pour baking soda on the corrosion to neutralize the acids. Then, add some water to catalyze a reaction. Dry with a paper towel, then brush the affected area with a scrub sponge or wire brush.

Once you remove the corrosion from your car battery, apply a rust inhibitor spray, a spray battery protector, or an anti-corrosion gel to prevent future corrosion.

Get Expert Battery Service in Turnersville!

Your car’s battery won’t last forever, but following a regular battery maintenance schedule will help protect the overall condition of the terminals and extend the lifespan of your battery. Whether you’d like to have your battery tested or if you are in need of a battery replacement, you can count on the certified technicians in the state-of-the-art service center at Acura Turnersville to provide you with the full range of car battery services. Our prices are very competitive, and you can save even more with our rotating service specials and coupons. Feel free to contact our service team if you have any questions.