Why do Batteries Need Maintenance? 

What is corrosion and how do you know if your battery has it? As your battery runs, the sulfuric acid releases hydrogen gas. The gas then mixes with the air around it. The chemical reaction that takes place as hydrogen gas collides with the air, moisture and salt causes corrosion. 

Corrosion is fairly easy to spot: It’s a white, blue or greenish powder typically surrounding one of the battery terminals, posts or cables. It has a granular, powdery texture. 

Car Battery corrosion can happen for a number of reasons. In addition to the normal release of hydrogen gas, some of the most common causes of corrosion are:

1. Age: Batteries typically have a lifespan of four to five years. They become more susceptible to corrosion as they reach their expiration date. 
2. Overheating: Batteries that are overcharged or overheat due to higher temperatures are more likely to develop corrosion. That’s why corrosion risk is highest in the summer. 
3. Leaking fluid: If your battery is cracked or damaged, battery acid can leak from the casing and cause corrosion around the battery terminals. 

How To Clean Battery Terminal Corrosion! 

To clean automotive battery terminals using baking soda, a commonly recommended ratio is to mix about one tablespoon of baking soda with one cup of water. This creates a mildly alkaline solution that is effective at neutralizing the acidic corrosion typically found on battery terminals. Here's how you can use it:

1. **Prepare the Solution**: Dissolve one tablespoon of baking soda into one cup of warm water, ensuring it's mixed thoroughly.
2. **Disconnect the Battery**: Before cleaning, ensure the vehicle is off and safely disconnect the battery terminals, starting with the negative cable.
3. **Apply the Solution**: Dip an old toothbrush or a small brush into the baking soda solution and gently scrub the corroded areas of the battery terminals and cable connectors.
4. **Rinse and Dry**: After scrubbing, rinse the terminals with clean water to remove any baking soda and corrosion residue. Dry the terminals and connectors thoroughly with a clean cloth.
5. **Reconnect the Battery**: Once everything is dry, reconnect the battery, starting with the positive terminal.

This simple cleaning technique can help maintain the battery's effectiveness and prolong its life by ensuring good electrical connections.

How To Prevent Battery Terminal Corrosion! 

We use BG Battery Maintenance Products!