Have you ever tried to use a camera, mouse, or other remote that’s lying around for a long time and then found the battery compartment and its batteries covered in a whiteish-ish crusty substance? The crust is the result of the corrosion of the batteries. If a device is left for long periods, the batteries will slowly discharge, and the gas build-up will escape as the acid from the storm.
But it doesn’t have to mean an end to your electronic devices. With a few household supplies that you can use to remove the corrosion and get your electronics functioning again.
What To Prepare?
Like every other time you open the car’s hood vehicle, it’s essential to have the equipment you’ll require in your arsenal before you begin. The fewer times you need to go to the shop to purchase a single thing, the quicker and simpler the whole process will be. This is why you’d like to have this in your arsenal:
A couple of rags or any piece of cloth that is disposable to protect the batteries cables
A second piece of rag or two
Protective gloves and rubber gloves
Vinegar (ideally white vinegar) or an alternative cleaning solution to those we’ll discuss below.
A bottle or container of medium size to hold the vinegar
As you will observe, cleaning the terminals of your car battery only requires a little costly components and materials. The most important aspect is how you utilize the battery, so let’s look into that next.
What Does Corrosion Look Like?
You may suspect that the battery is damaged before you notice it if you’ve seen a decrease in performance, difficulties getting your car started, or low voltage warnings appearing on the dashboard. If you notice these signs of corrosion pop up, you’ll know that it’s time to inspect the corrosion. If your vehicle is excellent and has been in use for less than 30 minutes, lift the hood and look at the battery terminals and metal. If your terminal is covered in white (or occasionally a mix of blue/green/teal) or powdery substance, you’re likely dealing with corrosion. While looking at the terminal, note any signs of rust on the metal components of your cables and terminals.
What Causes Car Battery Corrosion?
The main reason for time is corrosion in batteries. The battery is continuously cooling, and heating as the motor is running and releases hydrogen gasses through ventilation. Since these gases are constantly released over time they react with the surrounding materials and form a substance near the junction point. You may have realized that substance is the one you see. It happens at the terminal as the electrical connection is located in the case of the car battery.
Is a Corroded Battery Dangerous?
Yes, a corroded or damaged battery is a risk. The potassium hydroxide in many batteries used by households could cause severe eye injuries and irritation of the skin and respiratory system. It’s essential to wear gloves and wear eye protection while washing an abrasive battery or terminal.
The corrosion could also extend to electronics. Since this corrosion can be acidic, it can cause the sensation of a chemical burn. It is recommended to wash the decline before using an electronic device.
How Often to Clean Battery Corrosion
The corrosion of the battery should be treated immediately if you discover that your batteries are leaking inside the case of a storm. We typically use a battery-operated device until the battery dies and stops working. It is recommended to check the battery and the battery in these objects to ensure that there’s no problem in the form of corrosion or leakage.
Before You Begin
While this is an easy project that isn’t difficult to finish, it’s vital to shield your eyes and skin from all substances and wear eyewear, gloves, and gloves protection. Create a work surface using newspapers, disposable cloths, or paper towels, to place the battery after taking it from the compartment for batteries.
Cleaning the Electronic Device
Take the batteries off with gloves and dispose of them properly. Once the batteries have been removed from the device, you must get rid of the corrosion on the device at issue. Make this happen using cotton swabs, or a toothbrush coated in lemon or vinegar juice. The acid in these can help to dissolve the corrosion of the device. Rub the swab with a brush to eliminate the most corruption possible.
The leftover residue can be cleaned with baking soda and a small amount of water. Also, scrub it off with a cotton swab or an old toothbrush. Use a moist swab to clean any remaining baking soda (or other chemicals). Let the device air dry completely before adding new batteries.
What Causes Battery Corrosion?
Battery corrosion can have a variety of reasons, such as:
Overcharging. If you are charging your battery too much, it can cause the temperature to become excessively high. This could cause the electrolytes within batteries to grow. The vents in batteries allow pressured battery fluid to escape to ensure they do not explode. If the juice from the battery leaks out of those vents, this could cause corrosion.
The battery is damaged. Damage and cracks to the battery may cause fluid in the battery to leak. The leakage of battery fluid could cause electrolyte accumulation on the terminals, which can cause corrosion.
You are filling up your battery too much. Sure, batteries require to be filled with water for proper operation. If you fill the storm, the excess water flows out of the vents. When water comes into contact with the battery’s terminals, corrosion may develop.
Copper clamps. If your battery leaks sulfuric acid and is in close contact with the clamps made of copper, a chemical reaction will occur. The resultant copper sulfate creates corrosion.
Age. Batteries in cars typically last for five years. If you’re nearing its lifespan, it’s normal to see signs of corrosion.
Conclusion
It’s essential to keep your car’s battery free of corrosion to keep the vehicle in good condition. Fortunately, the process for cleaning car battery corrosion is simple to follow. It requires only just a few steps and a bit of caution.
Did this guide assist you with the corrosion issue in your car battery? If yes, you could also share this post to help others who own cars. If you have an idea in the back of your mind, please share it with us in the comments.