How to Remove Corrosion From Car Battery

When you know how to clean car battery corrosion, you can extend the lifespan of these important components and protect your vehicle’s electrical system. However, it’s important to note from the outset that working with a high-powered component like a car battery requires caution. Although our service team would be happy to help, we’ve also put together a step-by-step guide, so you can learn how to remove corrosion from a car battery the right way.

How to Check for Car Battery Corrosion

Many San Diego-area drivers only think to check for car battery corrosion when they’ve noticed a problem with their electrical system. Whether you’re being proactive or you’re trying to solve an issue, the process of checking for corrosion is the same:

• Wait at least 30 minutes from the time when you shut your vehicle off, and pop the hood.
• Locate the battery, and identify the terminals.
• If one or both terminals are coated in white, or in a combination of white, green, blue, or teal residue, you’re dealing with battery corrosion.
• Take note of any rust on your battery cables as well.

What Causes Car Battery Corrosion?

Car battery corrosion is a natural byproduct of your battery’s normal operation. The battery continually heats up and cools down as you drive around Temecula and Carlsbad, releasing hydrogen gas as part of the ventilation process.  So, what causes car battery corrosion? When these hydrogen gases come into contact with the surrounding material, the electric charge on the terminals can cause a reaction that leads to corrosion.

How to Clean Car Battery Corrosion

Learning how to clean car battery corrosion isn’t particularly difficult, but failing to work carefully can be dangerous. Make sure to wear gloves, goggles, and a respirator when you’re working around battery acid, rust, and electric currents. Even if your vehicle is off and cool, the connected terminals will still carry a charge. With these safety tips in mind, take these steps to remove corrosion from a car battery:

1. Purchase a professional battery cleaner at our Escondido parts department, or gather up baking soda and water. You’ll also need a wire brush or a scrub sponge.
2. With the professional cleaner, spray the terminals and then clean the affected area with a wire brush.
3. If you’re using a DIY solution, pour a small amount of baking soda directly on the terminal, then add water. Dry the area with a paper towel, and remove whatever remains with a scrub sponge.

Whether you’ve just cleaned your battery or you’re installing a new one, it’s a good idea to spray a battery protector on the terminal or apply an anti-corrosion gel.

Schedule Your Battery Service at Acura of Escondido!

If you’ve determined that it’s time to pick up a replacement car battery, visit our Escondido parts department to pick up a product designed specifically for your Acura. We’d be happy to take care of installation in-store, but even if you decide to replace the battery at home, make sure to check out our Acura service and parts specials before you stop in. We can also help you learn how to install a battery at home!