How to Remove Corrosion From Your Car Battery

At Sid Dillon Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we recommend performing periodic battery checks in your garage to help spot corrosion and damage. So, what causes car battery corrosion and what does it look like? Our service team is here to help you learn the ins and outs of battery care, so you can remove car battery corrosion before it causes damage. Let’s take a closer look, and feel free to schedule your service if you need assistance.

What Does Battery Corrosion Look Like?

You might notice red flags of battery corrosion before you even pop the hood. A corroded battery might have weaker power and difficulties starting up, and you might notice low voltage lights flash on the dashboard. If you notice these signs during your everyday Lincoln drives, it’s time to inspect your battery with the following steps:

• Make sure your car has been off for at least 30 minutes, and it’s fully cool. Pop the hood and locate the battery.
• Corrosion will usually be powdery and white, but it can be a green or blue color. If you notice a build-up on the terminals, you have corrosion.
• Look for rust on the terminals and cables as well, which can also damage your system.

How Do I Remove Car Battery Corrosion?

Learning how to clean car batteries may be intimidating, but it’s easily done in your own garage if you have the right supplies. You can either stop by our parts department for a professional battery cleaner or use supplies from your household. Then, don the proper protective gear: gloves, goggles, and a respirator.

• Professional Cleaner: Follow the directions on the bottle to remove car battery corrosion easily. Spray on the surface of the battery, brush with a wire brush, and scrub until the corrosion is gone.
• DIY Cleaning Solution: Remove connectors from the battery terminal and pour baking soda onto the corroded areas. Add water to start the reaction. Dry with a paper towel, and brush the area with a scrub sponge.
• Prevention: Consider using a rust inhibitor spray, a spray battery protector, or an anti-corrosion gel to prevent future car battery corrosion.

What Causes Car Battery Corrosion?

Your battery heats and cools every time you hit the roads of Omaha, and this causes hydrogen gases to release. These gases mix with surrounding material and create corrosion. Usually this corrosion will occur at the terminal, since that’s the main electric connection. Because corrosion is so common, it’s important to keep an eye on your equipment with regular battery checks.

Find Out More with Sid Dillon Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

Now you know how to clean a car battery, but what if you still have questions? Whether you want to know more about professional cleaning solutions or scheduling your next battery check, feel free to contact us at Sid Dillon Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. We’re located in Crete, near neighboring Seward, so get in touch with us for all of your automotive needs.