Easy Tips to Remove Corrosion From The Car Battery
Car batteries require lots of maintenance and care for a healthy, long and durable performance. It is the most critical part of a car, enabling its smooth & efficient functioning along with its various other appliances. There are several factors that affect the smooth functioning of a battery on which battery corrosion forms an important part.
Battery Corrosion
Battery corrosion around the posts of the battery is caused by the sulphuric acid and hydrogen gas vapour that can escape from the battery. Sometimes this vapour is vented out of the top vent blocks on the battery, and other times, a small amount of vapour leaks out in the area between the posts. This vapour mixes with other gases under the hood, thus causing the corrosion. Cleaning corrosion off your car isn’t a complicated process. It can well be done at home with the help of battery cleaning solutions or a combination of baking soda and water.
How to Clean Car Battery Corrosion
- Safety & Security: The foremost step is to check for any leaking acid around the battery. If you see a battery with leaking acid and is wet in the tray or around the bolts, it is an indication of a bigger issue and not just corrosion. In such a case, call in for a mechanic or go for battery replacement. Wear gloves for safety purposes.
- Mix the Solution: Either take a battery cleaning solution or make a mixture of 1 tablespoon of baking soda and one cup of water. Mix it well till the baking soda blends in.
- Scrub: Scrub off all the corrosion from the terminal. Next, try to loosen the belt and remove the terminal for further cleaning. So, once you clean the terminals, clean the battery posts and the top of the battery, then wipe them off with a cloth.
Protection Against Battery Corrosion
The best way to avoid any further damage or procedure is to protect your battery against corrosion. It can be done by applying battery-terminal grease to the terminals to help prevent corrosion. Also, keep checking your battery regularly and make sure the terminals are always clean. In case you see slight traces of corrosion on your battery, remove the terminals and clean them. Also, it’s important to see if the terminals are properly tightened and not lose by trying to move them.
Essential Safety Steps for Cleaning Car Battery Corrosion
A step-by-step guide to cleaning car battery corrosion is incomplete without some smart safety precautions:
Disconnect the Terminals
Starting with black, remove both terminals to disconnect the battery. This will prevent any chance of electric shocks or accidents. It also reduces the chance of any short circuit caused while cleaning that can damage the battery life.
Protective Gears
Rubber gloves and safety goggles help prevent the danger of electric shocks and skin exposure.
Avoid Direct Contact With Corrosion
Make sure that your tools have rubber or wooden handles to prevent any sparks or damage. Plus, use brushes and tools to keep your hands away from the cleaning area.
Well-Ventilated Area
Choose an open and cooler spot to clean your car battery. If cleaning in a room, open all doors and windows.
Waste Disposal
One of the key steps in how to clean car battery corrosion safely is the disposal of waste and cleaning materials. Tie all the corrosion residue in a garbage bag and seal it shut before disposing safely.
Gentle Scrub
Yes, the corrosion can be very resistant and harsh at times, but avoid scrubbing really hard that can damage the protective coating of the battery.
Tools and Materials Needed To Clean Battery Terminals
The following list of materials and tools for cleaning battery corrosion will make your job simple and hassle-free:
| Tool/Materials | Details |
| Cleaning Solution | A quick paste or solution of water and baking soda is your best option for cleaning your battery. |
| Old Toothbrush | The soft bristles and flexibility allow you to scrub around corners without any scratches. |
| Wrench or Pliers | If you need help, you can use pliers to disconnect the battery terminals safely. |
| Wire Brush | A wire brush is used to clean the lead battery posts and the car’s clamp. |
| Protective Gears | Rubber GlovesSafety GogglesMasksDry Cloth |
Alternate Cleaning Methods
Besides the classic process of cleaning battery terminals with baking soda, there are a lot of alternative methods you can choose from:
Vinegar Solution
The first lesson on how to clean car battery terminals with vinegar is that it is an acidic solution, unlike baking soda.
Pros:
- It is perfect for lighter corrosion and requires minimal scrubbing.
- Widely available and affordable solution.
Cons:
- It can leave behind a lingering sour smell.
Lemon
A few drops of lemon juice tops the list of natural cleaning solutions for battery corrosion. It is more acidic than vinegar.
Pros:
- It is a cheaper and simpler ingredient to use at home.
- Its acidic nature helps cut through corrosion layers without any effort.
Cons:
- It can leave a sticky residue on the surface.
In spite of taking all these measures, you are not able to revive the battery and require a replacement, go for Livguard automotive batteries. We are the pioneer in the field of manufacturing the best automotive batteries countrywide. Other variants of batteries that we provide under this segment are batteries for cars, 3-wheelers, two-wheelers, heavy-duty batteries for tractor, bus & truck etc. Visit our website to know about our entire range of automotive batteries.
