How to Remove Corrosion from a Car Battery

If you live in the Phoenix area and don’t know how to clean car battery corrosion, Land Rover North Scottsdale is here to help. Read on to learn what causes car battery corrosion, what car battery corrosion looks like, and how to remove corrosion from a car battery. When your battery is correctly cleaned and adequately maintained, it should last you much longer and keep your Land Runner running more smoothly. Of course, if you don’t want to clean your battery yourself, contact us at Land Rover North Scottsdale or bring it to the service center.

What Does Battery Corrosion Look Like?

Are you experiencing low power inside your vehicle, trouble starting your car, or maybe even you see low voltage codes displayed on your car dashboard during those drives to Scottsdale? Although your battery may be due for replacement, and the problem could have something to do with your alternator, you should check your battery for corrosion before you jump to any conclusions. Here’s how it’s done:

1. Allow your vehicle’s engine to cool for at least 30 minutes.
2. Then, open the hood so you can look at your battery terminals.
3. If the battery terminals are covered in white powdery looking material, tinged with greenish blue or teal, you have battery corrosion.
4. Since this corrosion prevents the terminals from attaching firmly to the battery, it needs to be removed at the earliest opportunity.

What Causes Car Battery Corrosion?

What causes car battery corrosion? Don’t blame yourself; the age of the battery and the time that it’s spent in use are the primary causes. Your vehicle’s battery is continuously heating and cooling while the engine runs, and this process requires the release of hydrogen gases through ventilation. These gases are dispersed continuously, and as they mix with surrounding material, they make and deposit a substance at the connection point (AKA the battery terminals). That is what causes battery corrosion on your Land Rover.

How to Remove Corrosion From a Car Battery

By now, you probably want to know how to remove corrosion from a car battery. There are two main techniques to remove car battery corrosion. The first approach is to buy a cleaning solution from an auto parts store around Phoenix that is made specifically for auto batteries. You could also create a DIY solution yourself using everyday household products. 

Regardless of which procedure you choose, make sure you use gloves, eye goggles, and a respirator or mask when handling the solution or making it. Before you get under the hood, make sure to remove all metal objects, including watches or jewelry, from your person. Safety is always paramount. Here’s how to clean car battery corrosion once you’re ready to get started:

• Professional battery cleaner: You can purchase a professional battery cleaner from the parts center at Land Rover North Scottsdale. Spray the solution generously on the affected area of the battery. Then, brush it vigorously with a wire brush until all of the car battery corrosion is removed.
• DIY battery cleaner: First, remove the connectors from the battery terminal. Then, pour baking soda on the corrosion areas to neutralize the acids. Next, add a little water to create a chemical reaction. Dry it with a paper towel, then brush the affected surface with a scrub sponge or brush.

Now that you know how to remove corrosion from a car battery’s terminals, you can prevent future decay by using an anti-corrosion gel, rust inhibitor spray, a spray battery protector–all available at the auto parts department at Land Rover North Scottsdale. You can order parts and accessories online or contact the parts center.

Land Rover North Scottsdale is Always at Your Service

If your Land Rover needs an inspection or regular maintenance, it’s easy to schedule an appointment with Land Rover North Scottsdale near Arrowhead. We are here for all of your automotive needs, from genuine OEM Land Rover car parts to routine service or new tires. Give us a call today!