Corrosion on a Car Battery
The battery is one of the most important parts of a car. After all, it supplies power to the engine along with the vehicle’s various electrical components. Over time, corrosion can build up on the battery and weaken it. If you don’t clean the battery, then it could break down quicker than normal.
Due to the battery’s importance, you’ll want to clean any car battery corrosion as soon as possible. We here at Land Rover Santa Fe will explain how to do that and how to know when the battery needs to be replaced completely.
Read through our informative guide and contact us if you need service near Santa Fe, White Rock, or La Cienega.
How to Clean Car Battery Corrosion
In order to clean corrosion off car battery terminals, you’ll want to turn the vehicle off first. Grab an appropriately sized wrench, which is dependent upon the location of the terminals. Then, complete the following steps…
- Loosen the nut on the negative battery cable clamp and unfasten it from the post.
- Repeat step one for the positive cable clamp.
- Examine the battery for any cracks that may be leaking acid. If you find some, then you’ll need to replace the battery right away. Otherwise, continue to step 4.
- Check the battery cables and clamps for tears. If a large rip is found, the part may need to be replaced.
- If everything looks good, then create a cleaning solution of one tablespoon of baking soda mixed with one cup of hot water.
- Dip a toothbrush into the solution and thoroughly clean the battery clamps and posts.
- Rinse the battery and cables with cool water and dry them with a clean cloth.
- Use petroleum jelly to lubricate all exposed metal on battery terminals, posts, and clamps.
- Reattach the positive cable clamp to the proper terminal, then do the same with the negative one, making sure they’re tightly secured.
When to Replace the Car Battery
As we mentioned before, you’ll need to replace the battery if it’s leaking at all. However, you’ll also need to replace it if too much corrosion builds up.
The more corrosion that gets on the battery, the more it acts an insulator. This will then prevent the battery from accepting or delivering a charge. When that happens, your car’s AC or radio may not work properly, and you may also have a hard time starting your car. If the problem persists, your vehicle’s on-board computer could be affected or even fail entirely.
There are other factors that could lead to needing a battery replacement sooner rather than later. If you often take short trips, then the battery can never get a chance to fully charge. Having the car sit for too long can also cause it to wear down over time. As long as you take it on somewhat longer drives a couple times a week, it should last a good four to five years.
Schedule Battery Service Today
While you could clean corrosion on a car battery yourself, you may want to leave this job to the experts. They can immediately spot any issues with the battery and replace it if need be. They can also clean it thoroughly yet quickly to get you back on the road as soon as possible.
If you need any type of car battery service near Santa Fe, White Rock, or La Cienega, don’t wait. Schedule service at Land Rover Santa Fe today!