If you are one of those people who loves to work on your own car, it is expected that probably at some point in time you have noticed the building of material on the battery terminal. This is corrosion, and as you can imagine, it has a profound impact on the overall battery’s performance. However, by reading below you will not only learn how to handle corrosion, but also how to keep it from happening in the first place.
Causes of corrosion, cracks, and leaks
There can be several reasons why corrosion takes over the battery terminal. Batteries contain many components that chemically react with each other with the purpose of producing electricity. Hydrogen gas and sulfuric acid vapor are vented as part of this process. Their reaction with heat and metal causes a chemical reaction and of course, causes corrosion. At the same time, corrosion also happens due to battery leaks created by previous cracks or damage. Overcharging the battery or too much water in the battery’s electrolyte solution are also common causes. Or even if the battery is five years old or more, this is totally normal.
Tips to Prevent Corrosion in Your Car Battery
There are a few steps you can undertake for corrosion prevention. First, make sure that you perform regular maintenance checks. Checking the battery from time to time will never hurt. Maybe a good reminder would be every time you are changing the oil. Regular checkups will allow you to also spot any early corrosion formations to where you can deal with them in time. Also, never underestimate a proper charge. In case you notice there is undercharging or overcharging, corrosion is guaranteed to happen. So, talk to your mechanic to check what can be done.
Protective treatments should also be welcomed. With the use of anti-corrosion spray and brushes, you can always do this step and be confident that the battery is in order. Just make sure the battery is disconnected before doing so. Last but not least, you can apply battery grease or petroleum jelly. Coating the battery terminals is another way to avoid corrosion. Once again, remove the battery cables before applying the protective coating.
How to Avoid Cracks in Your Car Battery
Cracks in the battery are never fun. However, the processes that prevent corrosion from forming on your battery will help you to avoid cracks as well. The first one involves making sure the battery is installed and mounted securely. Without this, everything else fails to function at its best.
Make sure your battery is always lubricated so the protective coating neutralizes salts and surface acids. Anti-corrosion spray is perfect for this. Furthermore, in those cases where a battery charger is needed, the voltage of the device with the battery must match (and have a compatible one). And in the cases where this process is not automated, make sure you are not overcharging the battery.
Safety Tips When Dealing with Car Batteries
Consequently, we also want to give you a reminder that safety should always come first. Wearing appropriate safety gear, like gloves and goggles, during maintenance should always be necessary. Handling battery acid and electrolytes should be done with care. Once you have completed your maintenance tasks, make sure you wash the gloves with water, after which you will clean your hands with soup as well. Baking soda can be your friend when you need to neutralize any acid. However, if you accidently come in direct contact, the application of lukewarm flowing water for some time should help. And as with everything, disposing of damaged or old batteries should be done carefully and responsibly.
Conclusion
Knowing that there is a professional team that can always help is reassuring. The experts at Battery Crew possess comprehensive knowledge about car batteries. With licensed, highly professional, and trustworthy employees, they serve top satisfied customers across South Africa. Aiming their customer service to be number 1 always, they offer hassle-free service, plus on-site assistance. No matter the issue at hand, Battery Crew will never disappoint you. Just rely on their skills and advice, and you can say goodbye to your car issues.