How to Clean Car Battery Corrosion

What Does Corrosion Look Like?

Battery corrosion typically presents itself in a number of ways before you see it for yourself. You may experience weaker power, for example, or difficulty starting your car. If you notice your battery acting up, then take the time for a visual corrosion inspection. Here is what you need to do:

• Allow your vehicle to fully cool down. When it has, pop the hood and inspect the battery terminals and surrounding metal.
• If you notice the terminals are caked in a white powdery material (or a green/blue/teal combination), then you are dealing with corrosion.
• As you conduct the corrosion inspection, identify any rust on the metal parts of the battery, as well.

What Causes Car Battery Corrosion?

What causes car battery corrosion? Time is usually the main culprit. Your battery heats up and cools down as you travel throughout the San Diego area, and releases hydrogen gases through ventilation as a result. These gases interact with surrounding materials over time, which leads to the corrosion you see at the battery’s connection posts.

How to Remove Corrosion From a Car Battery

There are two ways to remove corrosion from a car battery. Before you get started, make sure you are protected with gloves, goggles, and a respirator. 

• Professional Battery Cleaner: You can purchase a battery cleaning solution from an auto parts store in Carlsbad, or a different type of electrical contact cleaning spray. Spray the solution liberally on the corroded battery surface, and then brush it with a wire brush until all corrosion is removed.

• DIY Battery Cleaner: Concoct your own battery cleaning solution with water and baking soda. First, remove the connectors from the battery terminal. Then, pour baking soda on the corrosion to neutralize the acids, and add water to catalyze a reaction. Dry the area with a paper towel, and brush the affected area with a scrub sponge.

Once all corrosion is removed, use a rust inhibitor spray, a spray battery protector, or an anti-corrosion gel to prevent future corrosion.

Schedule Service at Honda of Escondido!

You now know how to clean car battery corrosion, but it’s important to keep up with regular Honda battery maintenance, as well. Schedule an appointment with Honda of Escondido for convenient Honda battery service near Vista, or get in touch with our team if you have any questions!