A lead acid car battery is prone to corrosion because it is filled with sulfuric acid. The battery post is metal and when it touches sulfuric acid, the chemical reaction leads to corrosion. Although it typically affects the positive post of a battery, it eventually affects the negative post as well.
In a lead acid environment, the electrodes are constantly in reactive mode that this causes the lead to soften and, eventually, shed. This is something that a battery will go through and it is impossible to completely eliminate it. However, it is possible to slow it down.
Among the things that you can do includes the following:
- Do not let the depth of discharge go too far. This is when you let the battery’s power get used up without recharging it.
- Lower the cycle count. A full cycle count is when you go from a fully charged battery to a fully discharged battery.
- Make sure the battery is stored in a moderate temperature environment. If that means parking your car in a shaded area, that is what you should do.
- Do not overcharge the battery.
These are the four important things that you can do to help slow down the corrosion in your battery.
In case your car battery is already corroded, you can get professional help to help clean it out. But that is not really mandatory because this is something that you can do yourself. Here are the 4 simple steps that you can follow:
- Disconnect. The first step is to disconnect the battery by removing the wires that are connected to the battery posts. Make sure that you remove the negative first before you touch the positive.
- Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with a cup of water. You can also use a can of soda. Pour the mixture or soda on the corroded metal. You can also use a rag or an old toothbrush to remove the corrosion.
- Clean out the terminal too. Once you are done cleaning the actual battery, focus your attention on the terminal. Ensure that you clean the posts carefully and thoroughly. Wipe off the moisture after you are done.
- Reconnect. After making sure the battery is clean, reconnect the battery to your car by connecting the positive post before the negative.
