How to Clean Car Battery Corrosion

If you’ve noticed a powdery mess under the hood of your car in San Diego, it’s easy to get alarmed! Corrosion isn’t pretty, but it’s extremely common – and learning how to clean car battery corrosion is easier than you might think! Kearny Mesa Acura is here to help you understand what causes car battery corrosion and how to remove corrosion from a car battery properly. Take a look and see how to bring your battery back to life:

How Do I Know I Have Corrosion?

Many National City drivers suspect that that they have corrosion issues before they even pop the hood. You might notice the following symptoms:

• Weaker power while driving
• Trouble starting the engine
• Low voltage codes displayed on the dashboard

What Does Corrosion Look Like?

If you notice any of those signs, we recommend looking at your battery for a quick visual check. Wait until 30 minutes after a drive to ensure that your vehicle is completely cool. Then, look at the terminals of your battery. Do you notice anything unusual? Corrosion looks like a powdery substance in color like white, green, blue, or teal. If you notice rust, that can also be cause for concern.

What Causes Car Battery Corrosion?

Your battery goes through a lot of hard work while navigating Carlsbad, releasing hydrogen gases with every trip. Over time, the gases combine with surrounding material to create corrosion at the connection point. This leads to the powdery substance that you see at your electrical terminals. And while you might need a replacement car battery, learning how to clean car battery corrosion can prolong the life of your current battery.

How to Remove Corrosion from Car Battery

You have several options when it comes time to remove corrosion from a car battery. If you opt to do the work yourself, be sure to take the proper precautions with gloves, goggles, and a respirator. This can protect you from harsh fumes and chemicals. Once you’ve acquired the proper protective gear, you’re ready to get started:

• Professional Battery Cleaner: Head to our parts department to pick up a battery cleaning solution or electrical contact cleaning spray. Spray this solution on the battery as directed and brush with a wire brush to loosen and remove the corrosion.
• DIY Battery Cleaner: Remove the connectors from the terminal and pour baking soda on the corroded areas. This neutralizes the acid. Add water to speed up the reaction. Dry with a paper towel and use a scrub sponge to remove the corrosion.
• Service Appointment: Avoid the mess and time commitment by scheduling your service at Kearny Mesa Acura. Our technicians can inspect your battery and remove the corrosion safely.

To prevent future issues, consider options like a rust inhibitor spray, a spray battery protector, or an anti-corrosion gel to keep corrosion at bay!

Find Out More with Kearny Mesa Acura

Whether you need help picking out a battery cleaner or you’re ready to pop in for a battery inspection, Kearny Mesa Acura is here to help in San Diego. Contact us with any questions or schedule service today.