Corrosion On Battery Terminal And Car Won't Start

Corrosion on Battery Terminals: Why Your Car Won't Start and How to Fix It

Have you ever turned the key in your ignition, only to be met with silence? A dead battery is a frustrating experience, but sometimes the problem isn't the battery itself, but rather corroded battery terminals. This article will explain why corroded battery terminals prevent your car from starting, detail the causes, and guide you through the safe and effective cleaning process. Understanding this common car problem can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration.

What Causes Corroded Battery Terminals?

Battery terminal corrosion is a build-up of white, green, or blue powdery substance on the terminals and connecting cables. This corrosion is primarily caused by a chemical reaction between the battery's lead and sulfuric acid, a key component of the battery's electrolyte. Several factors accelerate this process:

• Electrolyte leakage: A damaged or overfilled battery can lead to electrolyte leakage, accelerating corrosion.
• Moisture: Humidity and water exposure significantly increase the rate of corrosion. Rain, snow, and even condensation can contribute.
• Road salt: In colder climates, road salt used for de-icing can dramatically speed up the corrosion process.
• Over time: Even with preventative measures, corrosion is a natural process that occurs over the lifespan of a battery.

How Corrosion Prevents Your Car From Starting:

Corrosion acts as an insulator, preventing the efficient flow of electricity between the battery and the car's starting system. This interruption can manifest in several ways:

• Weak cranking: The engine may crank slowly or weakly before dying completely.
• No cranking: In severe cases, the engine won't crank at all.
• Electrical issues: Corrosion can impact other electrical components, causing malfunctioning headlights, radio, or other systems.

Cleaning Corroded Battery Terminals: A Step-by-Step Guide

Before you begin, always remember safety first! Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from potential splashing of battery acid and chemical burns.

Tools You'll Need:

• Baking soda: A common household item that neutralizes battery acid.
• Water: To create a paste and rinse the terminals.
• Wire brush: For scrubbing away corrosion. A stiff bristle brush works best.
• Terminal cleaner: (Optional) A specialized terminal cleaner can provide a more thorough cleaning.
• Cloth or rags: For cleaning and drying.
• Pliers or wrench: To loosen and tighten terminal clamps.

Steps:

1. Disconnect the battery: Always disconnect the negative (-) terminal first, then the positive (+) terminal. This prevents accidental short-circuiting.
2. Prepare your cleaning solution: Mix baking soda and water to create a thick paste.
3. Apply the paste: Apply the paste liberally to the corroded terminals and cables. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow it to work its magic.
4. Scrub the terminals: Use the wire brush to scrub away the corrosion. Be thorough, removing all the loose material.
5. Rinse with water: Rinse the terminals thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining baking soda paste.
6. Dry the terminals: Use a clean cloth to dry the terminals completely.
7. Reconnect the battery: Reconnect the positive (+) terminal first, then the negative (-) terminal.
8. Inspect and repeat if necessary: Check if the car starts. If not, there may be further corrosion or another issue, so repeat the cleaning or consult a mechanic.

Preventing Future Corrosion:

• Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect your battery terminals for signs of corrosion.
• Battery Terminal Protector: Apply a specialized battery terminal protector to prevent future corrosion.
• Keep it clean and dry: Ensure the battery and its surroundings are kept clean and dry.

By understanding the causes and effects of corroded battery terminals and following these simple cleaning steps, you can significantly improve your chances of getting your car started and prevent future issues. Remember safety precautions, and if you are uncomfortable performing this task yourself, seek professional help from a mechanic.