How to Clean Car Battery Corrosion

Does your car have trouble starting, even when you try to jump-start it? This has led many Lafayette drivers to assume they need to replace their car’s battery. But the problem could simply be a buildup of corrosion on the battery terminals. Failure to remove corrosion from a car battery can cause a loss of power, keep the car from starting, and even prevent the car from being jump-started. Our service department knows how to clean car battery corrosion, and they want to help you keep your car running in top shape. So, we’ve put together this handy guide on how to remove corrosion from a car battery. We’ll even talk about what causes car battery corrosion.

Use the Right Cleaning Solution

Any guide on how to clean car battery corrosion needs to talk about cleaning solutions. You can use the following solutions to remove corrosion from a car battery:

• Cleaning solutions made specifically for battery corrosion. You can find these products at auto parts stores.
• Baking soda. Apply it to the terminals and connectors, then apply water to activate it.
• Carbonated cola beverages. Use this in a pinch, but use it cautiously. Make sure to clean thoroughly so as not to leave sticky residue on the battery, terminals, or connectors.

How to Clean Car Battery Corrosion in 3 Steps

Cleaning car battery corrosion isn’t complicated, but it’s important to be thorough. Follow the steps below to remove corrosion from a car battery:

• Spray the terminals and connectors liberally with your cleaning solution.
• Scrub the terminals and connectors with a wire brush until all of the corrosion is gone.
• Dry the area thoroughly with a rag or paper towel.

What Causes Car Battery Corrosion?

Battery corrosion seems to many drivers to just appear out of nowhere. What causes car battery corrosion in the first place? The constant heating and cooling that happens with a car battery releases hydrogen, which mixes with surrounding materials and forms that powder which attaches itself to the battery terminals. That substance can interfere with the proper operation of your vehicle, which is why it’s important to know how to remove corrosion from a car battery. After all, no one wants to be stranded somewhere in Logansport because of a dead car battery.

Let the Battery Experts at Twin Lakes Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Monticello Help

Is your car having problems getting started? Schedule an appointment with us. Our trained professionals can quickly troubleshoot the issue and get you back on our Winamac roads in no time. And, if you’d like to learn more, check out our posts about available batteries and accessories and how to extend a battery’s life. We’re just down the road from Rochester. So, drop by or contact us today.