The Dangers of Battery Corrosion (& How to Prevent It In the Future)

Posted on February 8, 2018 in Auto Repair, Maintenance

No matter what kind of car or battery you have, your terminals can become corroded over time making them poor conductors of electricity. While corrosion will not make your battery catch on fire, buildup on battery terminals can keep your car from starting. Here’s how to prevent it:

Clean Regularly

Corrosion is easy to clean up with a battery brush and a wrench that fits your battery clamps. Remember to disconnect your battery before applying any cleaning agents and follow the proper safety precautions. If you don’t feel comfortable cleaning it yourself, talk to your mechanic the next time you take your car in for service.

Be Mindful of Your Battery’s Age

Corrosion, and the associated risks, tend to worsen as a battery gets older. It’s important to keep track of battery changes and record any issues, including trouble starting your car, any rough starts, and if you ever have to get your battery jumped or recharged. This record will help your mechanic make an informed decision

Don’t Wait for a Problem

As we mentioned earlier, corrosion cannot make your battery catch fire, but it can keep your car from starting. If the corrosion extends into the battery post connection, it's possible that your car may not start at some crucial moment. You should be checking your engine periodically anyway so, when you do, take a look at your battery and check for build up around the battery terminals. If you do this regularly, you should be able to just wipe it away with a cloth or paper towel instead of performing a deep clean. If you notice excessive buildup between cleans, you should call your mechanic.

At V&F

If you suspect that your battery may have terminal corrosion, have the vehicle inspected by a professional technician at V&F. All of our auto repair services are backed by an industry-leading 3 year / 36,000 mile warranty on parts and labor. Call us today at (413) 314-2280 or schedule an appointment online.