How to Prevent Battery Corrosion
No matter what kind of battery you have, , the terminals can become corroded over time making them poor conductors of electricity. Contrary to popular belief, corrosion won't make your battery catch on fire— but it can weaken or cut off its connection to the engine. Thankfully, there are many ways you can prevent battery corrosion with proactive maintenance. In this article, we’ll review some practical ways to keep your battery in tip-top shape.
Clean Regularly
Corrosion is usually easy to clean with a battery brush and a wrench that fits your battery clamps. Remember to follow the proper safety precautions, taking care to disconnect your battery before applying any cleaning products. If you don’t feel comfortable cleaning the battery yourself, ask your mechanic about the available service options.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 and if you ever need to get your battery jumped or recharged. This record will help your mechanic make an informed decision.Read More: Why is my car's battery terminal corroded?
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. We recommend that all of our customers check their engines periodically. 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. If you notice excessive buildup between cleans, you should call your mechanic.Prevent Battery Corrosion At V&F
If you suspect that your battery may have terminal corrosion, have the vehicle inspected by a professional technician at V&F. At V&F, 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!
This article was originally published in 2019 and has been updated.