What’s the White Stuff Around My Batteries’ Terminals?

Have you been noticing some unexpected gunk accumulating on your car battery in Houston, TX? If you’re seeing any unwelcome signs, like white stuff on a battery, it could be a sign of car battery terminal corrosion. Here’s what you should do about it.

My car battery has white fluffy paste around the terminals. What is that, and does it hurt the battery?

White corrosion around the terminals can be removed with a solution of baking soda and water. Add 3 tsp baking soda to 10 oz f water. Stir the solution until the baking soda is dissolved. Move the vehicle to the street, because sometimes the solution can stain the driveway.

If the battery is in the engine compartment, slowly pour the solution over the terminals. Bubbling and fizzing can be heard during the process as the corrosion is neutralized. The terminals should be thoroughly cleaned afterwards, and the battery should be tested at a local auto repair shop.

The corrosion occurs when the battery is being charged hard. This could be a sign of a cell in the battery going out, or a short draining the battery down when the vehicle is not running. Then the alternator charges the battery hard after most of its energy is depleted when not running.

What are the causes of battery corrosion?

While you might think it’s not important to learn about the causes of corrosion, it can actually keep you from having to deal with the problem again in the future. Here are some of the most common causes of battery corrosion:

• Hydrogen gas leakage: When hydrogen gas from a battery leaks into the atmosphere, it can cause a chemical reaction that results in corrosion. If you see corrosion on the negative terminal, it could be a sign of the battery undercharging. In contrast, if your battery is overcharging, you’ll see corrosion on the positive side.
• Electrolyte leakage: This problem only occurs with lead-acid batteries. These batteries are generally on older model vehicles that contain electrolyte, and you’ll notice corrosion on the terminals if the electrolyte has escaped and leaked out.
• Overfilling or overcharging: If your battery is overfilled with battery water, it could force the electrolyte to leak through the vents. Always make sure you have the ideal amount of water in your battery so the electrolyte doesn’t reach the terminals and cause corrosion.

What happens if I don’t deal with corrosion?

A battery is a crucial component of your car, contributing to its smooth operation as you hit the roads around Houston, TX. Many people likely don’t check for signs of car battery terminal corrosion on their own without being prompted by poor performance from their vehicle. If your battery terminals have corrosion, you’ll likely notice the following signs as you drive:

• Problems with ignition
• Problems with the AC system
• Headlights that are weak or won’t turn on at all
• Stalling while driving

If you’re noticing white stuff on your battery, you can try to remedy the problem yourself or, better yet, take your car to your trusted battery professional in Houston, TX. Contact Texford Battery Co. to learn more about the warning signs of battery corrosion and what you can do to prevent it.

Categorised in: Car Batteries

This post was written by Writer