How to Clean Car Battery Corrosion

The battery of your car is essential to it running properly, so finding car battery corrosion can be somewhat alarming. But, don’t worry. The Land Rover Akron service center can help you identify and learn how to clean car battery corrosion yourself. Follow our guide to learn what causes car battery corrosion, what it looks like, and how to deal with it. 

What is Car Battery Corrosion?

Reasons a North Canton driver might suspect car battery corrosion are: 

• Weaker power
• Trouble starting your car
• Low voltage codes displayed on the dash

Once you experience these symptoms, it’s time to do a visual check. Just follow these steps: 

1. If you’ve been driving, turn your vehicle off and wait at least thirty minutes. Once your vehicle is fully cool, pop the hood to inspect the battery terminals and metal. 
2. Check the terminals. If one of your terminals is caked in white (or sometimes a mixture of green/blue/teal), powdery material, that’s corrosion. 
3. Also make note of any rust on the metal of your terminals and cables.

What Causes Car Battery Corrosion?

Battery corrosion usually just happens because of time. As you travel through Massillon, your battery heats and cools which releases hydrogen gases. These gases mix with surrounding material and create the powder that you’ll find on your terminals. 

How to Clean Car Battery Corrosion Yourself

There are two main ways for Green drivers to remove corrosion from a car battery. In either case, be sure to wear gloves, goggles, and a respirator. You’ll be working around battery acid, electric currents, and rust, so this is important to protecting yourself. Then, just follow these steps: 

Use a battery cleaner from an auto parts store

1. At auto stores, you can find battery cleaning solution or other electrical contact cleaning spray. 
2. Apply whichever you find liberally to the affected surface of the battery. 
3. Then, brush with a wire brush until all the corrosion is removed.

Use a homemade battery cleaning solution

1. Remove the connectors from the terminal.
2. Then pour baking soda on the corrosion. This neutralizes the acids.
3. Then, add some water. This will catalyze a reaction. 
4. Dry the area with a paper towel.
5. Finally, brush the affected area with a scrub sponge.

Once you’re done, a rust inhibitor spray, spray battery protector, or anti-corrosion gel can go a long way to preventing future problems. 

Land Rover Akron Can Clean Your Car Battery Corrosion For You

Now you know what causes car battery corrosion and how to clean car battery corrosion, but if you would rather a professional clean it for you, schedule a service appointment with us. Otherwise, feel free to contact us with any questions.