I. Introduction
Car batteries have an average lifespan of three to five years, depending on how they are used. But even before they reach the end of their service, battery terminals start to corrode, affecting the performance of your device. Corrosion can build up on the surface of the battery terminals and make it challenging to transfer power from the battery to your device.
Fortunately, cleaning corroded battery terminals can prolong your battery’s life and extend the service of your device. In this article, we’ll explore how to clean corroded battery terminals and provide tips on DIY solutions, commercial products, preventative maintenance, and seeking professional help.
II. Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Corroded Battery Terminals
Safety should always come first in all battery-related operations. Let’s start with the process of cleaning corroded battery terminals.
A. Removing the Battery from the Device
Disconnect the battery from the device by turning off any switches and disconnecting the negative cable first before the positive one. Battery terminals may accumulate electrostatic charges while in the device and may ignite when cleaning your battery. You may also want to put on gloves to protect your hands from battery acid and debris.
B. Materials and Cleaning Agents to Use (Including Safety Precautions)
Before getting started, let us look at the recommended cleaning materials and agents. You’ll need:
- Baking soda or vinegar paste or a mixture of both
- A stiff-bristled brush or old toothbrushes
- A few towels or rags
- Water in a spray bottle or a cup
For safety, you may consider using protective equipment such as gloves and goggles.
C. Cleaning the Terminals
With a stiff-bristled brush, loosen and remove the accumulation of corrosion around the battery terminals. Be gentle and do not apply too much force to prevent causing damage or breaking the terminals or cables, which could result in electric shock.
Use a tablespoon of baking soda and mix it with a bit of water to create a paste. Apply the solution to the terminals and let it sit for ten minutes. You may notice a fizzling sound as baking soda reacts with the corrosion.
You can also use vinegar to create a solution in the same manner as baking soda, which will fizz as it reacts. The acid in the vinegar will corrode the rust.
Use an old toothbrush to get into the tiny crevices and scrub the terminals until the corrosion comes off. An old toothbrush is an excellent option to reach the hard-to-reach areas.
As you scrub, the corroded and broken particles will be easily visible. Remove them, clear, and dry the area with a towel or rag.
D. Reconnecting the Battery
Once you have cleaned the terminals and battery, reconnect the positive and then the negative cables. Apply an anti-corrosion agent if you have one. Most importantly, ensure that they are firmly connected and tightened properly.
E. Testing the Device
Your device should now be up and running. In case your battery terminals are too corroded, and they affect the performance of your battery, consider a replacement.
III. The Dangers of Corrosion on Battery Terminals
Now that you know how to clean corroded battery terminals, it’s critical to understand the risks associated with corroded battery terminals.
A. Risks Associated with Corroded Battery Terminals (Including Potential Device Damage and Electrical Shock)
Corroded battery terminals can damage your device and, in worse cases, cause short circuits that can lead to electric shock, explosion, or fire hazards.
The acid from a corroded battery can damage the battery holding box, which can lead to corrosion of other terminals within the device. Additionally, it can damage the wiring, which can affect the performance of the device.
B. Tips on How to Identify and Prevent Corrosion Before it Becomes a Problem
Check on your battery terminals regularly to see any signs of corrosion before it becomes a problem.
There are some early warning signs of corroded battery terminals you should be aware of, including:
- Difficulty starting your car
- Dim headlights or taillights
- A battery dash warning light
- An unusual odor near the battery
If you notice any of these signs, you should address the corrosion right away.
IV. DIY Solutions
If you notice corrosion on your battery terminals and don’t want to buy a commercial anti-corrosion solution, you can use household items such as vinegar or baking soda.
A. Household Items to Clean Corroded Battery Terminals (Such as Vinegar or Baking Soda)
A mixture of baking soda paste or vinegar will enable you to loosen the corrosion and completely remove it.
B. Steps to Follow When Using DIY Solutions
The following steps should be followed when cleaning corroded battery terminals with a DIY solution:
- Disconnect the battery.
- Make the DIY solution in a container, mixing a tablespoon of baking soda and water or a similar amount of vinegar.
- Apply the solution to the battery terminals with a stiff bristle brush or an old toothbrush.
- Let the solution sit for a few minutes – fifteen minutes will be enough.
- Use the bristle brush or toothbrush and scrub the terminal to remove all traces of corrosion.
- Remove any corroded particles you notice.
- Wipe the area with a damp towel or rag, and then wipe it dry.
- Reconnect the battery.
C. Precautions to Take When Using DIY Solutions
When using a DIY solution to clean corroded battery terminals, it’s important to follow these precautions:
- Wear goggles and gloves to protect yourself from battery acid and corrosion.
- When using vinegar, it gives off a strong odor. You may want to do this step outside or in a well-ventilated area.
V. Products that Help Remove Corrosion
There are commercial products explicitly designed for cleaning corroded battery terminals, such as battery terminal cleaners or protectors.
A. Commercial Products Designed to Remove Battery Corrosion (Including Recommendations and Warnings)
Some of the recommended products for cleaning corroded battery terminals, which you can buy in your local auto parts store or online include:
- Battery terminal cleaners and protector sprays such as CRC Battery Cleaner or Permatex 80369 Battery Cleaner.
These products are specially designed to chemically react with the corrosion to get rid of and prevent further corrosion on your battery terminals.
B. How to Use These Products Effectively
Using battery terminal cleaners and protector sprays such as CRC Battery Cleaner or Permatex 80369 Battery Cleaner will require a different process.
- Disconnect the battery.
- Wear gloves and goggles as you spray and wipe away any residue of leaked battery acid from your battery using a rag.
- Spray the battery cleaner on the terminals and leave it for the required amount of time, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Use an old toothbrush to brush the terminals to remove all traces of corrosion.
- Wipe the area with a damp towel or rag, and then wipe it dry.
- Reconnect the battery cables, first the positive one then the negative one.
VI. Preventative Maintenance
As an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, it’s worthy of taking some preventative maintenance measures to avoid corrosion of battery terminals.
A. Ways to Prevent Corrosion from Occurring in the First Place (Such as Using Di-electric Grease or Battery Terminal Protectors)
Here are some measures you can take to prevent corrosion from occurring in the first place:
- Use a battery terminal protector spray or dielectric grease, both of which are available at any auto parts store. These products coat the battery terminals and offer some protection against corrosion.
- Apply a light coat of petroleum jelly to the terminals to prevent corrosion while also maintaining good conductivity.
B. Precautions to Take When Implementing Preventative Maintenance
When implementing preventative maintenance to avoid corrosion on the battery terminals, it’s important to follow these precautions:
- Ensure you use gloves and goggles when applying any anti-corrosion solution to your batteries.
- Ensure that the terminals are tightened correctly once you have finished applying the solution or grease.
VII. When to Call in a Professional
If while cleaning corroded battery terminals, you notice that there is more significant damage to the battery casing or wiring or you are unsure what to do, consider calling in a professional. This is because an expert can negotiate challenging electrical work safely and repair all potential issues.
A. Explanation of When to Seek Expert Help
You should seek expert help if you notice any of the following:
- Damages on the battery casing, which can lead to more signification damage to the device
- Wiring or cable rusting
- If the DIY solution did not work or you are unsure about how to apply a commercial product.
B. Tips on How to Find a Reputable Repair Shop or Electrician
You can find a reputable repair shop or electrician by:
- Asking for recommendations from people you know who have previously had similar services.
- Checking online reviews.
VIII. Conclusion
Knowing how to clean corroded battery terminals is essential in prolonging the lifespan of your battery and device. It’s also essential to take preventative measures such as applying dielectric grease and checking your battery regularly to avoid corrosion altogether. However, learning how to clean a battery is a vital skill that you must learn, as you can never predict when corrosion will occur.
We hope this article has been informative and helpful in teaching you how to clean corroded battery terminals, identifying and preventing corrosion, DIY solutions, commercial products, preventative maintenance, and finding professional help. Remember, safety should always come first when dealing with batteries and follow the steps provided in this article.
