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A functioning battery is essential to the operation of a vehicle. The battery provides the electricity needed to start a vehicle and to power other electrical components, like the windows or stereo.
Keeping your battery in good condition is important. Taking the time to perform regular checks will help you catch problems early and get them taken care of as soon as possible.
One problem to watch for is battery terminal corrosion, which can lead to the deterioration of the battery terminal materials as well as other parts of the starting system. It’s pretty easy to spot — typically, it’s a white, blue or green-tinged covering on the battery terminal, cables or posts. Corrosion on or around your battery’s surfaces can lead to increased resistance within the circuit, which can disrupt the electrical current.
Keep reading to find out more about some of the causes of battery terminal corrosion, as well as steps you can take to clean and prevent it.
There are several reasons corrosion can appear on your battery. When your battery runs, hydrogen gas gets released and is mixed with other elements, which can cause corrosion to build up. Some of the main causes include:
Some batteries are refillable and rely on water for their operation. However, overfilling can cause the excess water to make its way out through the vents. Once water comes into contact with the battery terminals, corrosion can occur.
Damage to the battery can cause cracks or holes to develop that can cause battery fluid leaks. Electrolytes from the battery can then build up on the terminals and cause corrosion to form.
Charging a battery for too long can raise its temperature too high, causing electrolytes to expand. Pressure is formed during this process, which needs a way to escape. Electrolytes can escape through vents and cause a buildup of corrosion on the terminals.
Clamps made for connecting your battery to its wires are typically made from copper. If a battery is leaking sulfuric gases, it can combine with the current being sent through the clamps, causing a chemical reaction. This leads to the production of copper sulfate, which can cause corrosion.
When it comes to a buildup of corrosion, sometimes the cause is something as simple as age. Most car batteries are designed to have a five-year life span, so seeing corrosion around this time is not uncommon.
If your vehicle has battery terminal corrosion, it’s important to care of it so your battery functions properly.
Cleaning battery corrosion is a relatively simple process, though it might take some scrubbing depending on how much has built up. It’s important to disconnect the battery cables first to ensure you aren’t at risk for electric shock.
After disconnecting the cables, you should inspect them thoroughly for any peeling insulation or excess wear. Cables that are frayed or otherwise damaged can cause battery issues, so replacing damaged ones is important.
Once you’ve disconnected and inspected the cables, you can use a stainless steel wire brush to clean the cable contacts and terminals until the corrosion is removed. Typically, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water to remove the buildup.
There are preventive measures you can take to help avoid battery terminal corrosion. These include:
Being able to work on your own vehicle and diagnose problems is one thing, but what if you could make a career out of it? In the Automotive Technology program at Universal Technical Institute (UTI), students are taught all about the maintenance and repair of import and domestic vehicles.
You can get hands-on experience working on everything from engines to starting systems, which include the battery and related components. After graduation, you’ll be prepared with the skills you need for a career in the automotive industry.1
Request more information today to find out more about the program and how you can graduate in less than a year.7
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1) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
2) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.
7) Some programs may require longer than one year to complete.
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
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