Why Does My Car's Battery Get All Crusty? Let's Talk About Corrosion!
Ever popped the hood of your car and noticed some weird, colorful buildup on the battery terminals? Well, you're not alone! This buildup is called corrosion, and it's pretty common. But why does it happen, and what can you do about it? Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand, with a little help from our friends at Superior Auto Service in Bryan, TX.
What’s Going on With My Battery?
The buildup, or corrosion, you see is usually white, green, or blue. They show up on the parts of the battery that connect to your car (those are called terminals). This gunk is a bunch of chemicals that have reacted together. It can mess with your car’s power and make it hard to start. Not cool, right?
Why Does It Happen?
There are a few reasons why your battery might start throwing a buildup party:
- Getting Old: Like anything else, batteries get old and start to leak acid, which leads to corrosion.
- Leaky Stuff: Sometimes, the liquid inside the battery can start to escape, and when it touches the terminals, it causes that buildup.
- Too Much Juice: Charging your battery too much can make it release gas, which speeds up the corrosion process.
- Hot and Cold: Hot or cold weather can mess with your battery, causing it to crack or leak. That leads to more buildup on the terminal.
- Slacking on Cleaning: Not keeping the battery clean can also lead to corrosion.
How Can We Stop the Buildup?
Don’t worry there are plenty of ways to fight off corrosion:
- Clean Regularly: Mixing baking soda and water and using it to clean the terminals can work wonders. Just make sure to rinse and dry everything when you’re done.
- Protective Coating: After cleaning, put a bit of petroleum jelly or a special battery protector on the terminals to keep them safe from corrosion.
- Check-Ups: Keep an eye on your battery, especially if it’s old or the weather’s been extreme. Catching problems early can save a lot of headaches.
- Get Professional Help:We at Superior Auto Service inspect your battery terminals with a free Digital Vehicle Inspection, DVI, with any service or maintenance. We are pros at dealing with battery issues and our ASE-certified technicians can help keep you from being stranded by a bad battery.
So, there you have it! Corrosion might sound scary and confusing, but with care and help from the experts at Superior Auto Service, you can keep your car’s battery healthy and your car running smoothly. Remember, taking care of your car’s battery means taking care of your vehicle, so don’t ignore those buildups!
http://happycars.com