How to Remove Corrosion From a Car Battery

Whether you’ve inspected your car’s battery to find some corrosion or are having certain troubles on Lynn roads, you may have to remove some of this buildup from your vehicle. Luckily, you can learn how to clear car battery corrosion with several helpful items and get a better idea of how it occurs. Learn more about how to remove corrosion from a car battery, then schedule your next service visit at Honda North.

What Does Corrosion Look Like?

Some common car battery corrosion signs you might experience on Lynn roads may be weaker power, trouble starting your car, or low voltage codes displayed on the dash. If you notice these changing vehicle functions, then you’ll want to inspect the car battery corrosion yourself. Here’s how: 

• When your vehicle is fully cool and hasn’t been used for at least 30 minutes, pop the hood so you can inspect the battery terminals and metal. 
• If the terminal is caked in white (or sometimes a combo of green/blue/teal) powdery material, you’re dealing with corrosion. 
• While you’re taking a look, you should also take note of any rust on the metal parts of your terminals and cables.

What Causes Car Battery Corrosion?

So, what causes car battery corrosion? As you drive through Burlington, your battery is constantly heating and cooling, releasing hydrogen gases through ventilation. These gases then mix with surrounding material and create the corrosion you see at the terminal of your car battery where the electric connection occurs.

How to Clean Car Battery Corrosion

When it comes to ways on how to remove corrosion from a car battery, you can use a professional solution bought from an auto parts store or create your own solution with common household products. No matter which option you choose, you’ll want to have gloves, goggles, and a respirator on hand to safely create or handle solutions and work around battery acid, electric currents, and rust. Here’s how to clean car battery corrosion using these two methods below:

Use a professional battery cleaner

• You can acquire a battery cleaning solution or other electrical contact cleaning spray from an auto store. 
• Spray liberally on the affected surface of the battery, then brush with a wire brush until all of the corrosion is removed.

DIY battery cleaning solution

• Remove the connectors from the terminal, then pour baking soda on the corrosion to neutralize the acids. 
• Then, add some water to catalyze a reaction. Dry with a paper towel, then brush the affected area with a scrub sponge.
• After removing the corrosion from your car’s battery terminals, you can prevent future corrosion with a rust inhibitor spray, a spray battery protector, or an anti-corrosion gel.

Schedule Your Next Auto Service at Honda North

Now that you know more about what causes car battery corrosion and how to remove it, you can ensure your vehicle is in top shape on Burlington roads. Check out more service tips and tricks at Honda North, and see how you can save on your next visit with our coupons and specials. You’ll also find a great variety of OEM parts and accessories to take your vehicle to the next level. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our Danvers dealership! Learn more about how to care for your car battery with our battery installation guide!