Fall is the perfect time of the year to inspect your car battery. Your vehicle has survived through months of heat and strenuous activity this past summer, making it susceptible to corrosion.
Corrosion on your car battery can be expected from wear and tear over time, but it can grow more intense with higher temperatures. Small amounts of decay can be easy to clean up, but large clumps of it can signal a significant problem.
What Causes Battery Corrosion?
Batteries contain a combination of sulfuric acid and water. When the sulfuric acid leaks and comes in contact with metal on the outside of the battery. This is why corrosion is often found on the battery terminals since they are made of metal. Small gas leaks, loose connections, or general old age can also be the culprit behind the corrosion.
If you notice a white, green, or blue substance forming around your terminals, it's most likely corrosion. A small amount of the matter is not a huge deal. However, too much of the substance can block the electrical charges that flow in and out of the battery. Hence, you might not be able to start your car. The electrical current stored in the battery needs to be carried over to the engine to keep your vehicle running.
What Should You Do?
If you detect corrosion on your battery terminals, please take the opportunity to clean it off right away. All you'll need are a pair of gloves, baking soda, water, an old toothbrush, and a rag. The baking soda-water solution is all you need to cure your corrosion. Before applying the mixture onto the battery with the toothbrush, please ensure your battery terminals are disconnected and tucked away. If you need further guidance on cleaning or testing your battery, feel free to bring your car to Ming's Auto Repair.