So you have rust on your battery terminals? Rust on car battery terminals is not common as the battery posts and terminals are made of lead and brass which do not rust.
However, in some car battery installations, you might see rust on the battery terminals.
This post explains what causes it and also explains the best way to clean it up and prevent it.
Dangers of Rust Buildup
Rust buildup around the car battery terminals can restrict how much current flows which then causes car starting or battery charging problems.
The car may struggle to start even when the car battery is healthy and the alternator works fine for instance.
Or, the car battery may not charge as well and drain faster than usual. While these symptoms cannot solely be attributed to rust buildup, it can contribute to them.
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What Causes Rusty Battery Terminals?
The buildup of rust can be caused by hydrogen gas escaping from the battery or moisture and reacting with the terminals or bolts.
If they’re made of terminals prone to rust then there’ll be a buildup of corrosion and rust.
How to Clean Rusty Battery Terminals
What You Need
- battery terminal cleaner spray
- battery post cleaner brush
- battery terminal cleaning brush
- anti-corrosion washer
Always use good quality rust-proof battery terminals
Additionally, regularly clean the car battery terminals to remove any corrosion that may have built up on the car battery posts and terminals.
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal first and wrap electrical tape around it or another insulator that protects it against getting in contact with the car body to restore an electrical connection.
2. Next, disconnect the positive battery terminal.
3. Apply a battery terminal cleaner spray to the positive and negative battery terminals and using a wire brush remove any traces of corrosion that may have built up.
4. Carefully spray the battery cleaner spray onto the battery posts taking care that it does not seep into the battery to damage it. Use a battery post cleaner brush to polish the battery posts such that they are free of any corrosion.
5. Apply a dielectric grease over the battery posts and battery terminals. Fit an anti-corrosion washer over each battery post.
6. Connect the positive battery terminal first and the negative battery terminal last.
Tips to Stop Rust on Car Battery Terminals (The Best Way)
To stop or prevent rust buildup or corrosion buildup on the battery terminals and post, periodically inspect the battery terminals from time to time, cleaning them to remove any corrosion buildup.
Make sure to use rust-proof battery terminals.
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Closing Thoughts
You can keep the rust away from the car battery terminals by only using good quality rust-proof battery terminals.
Periodically clean the battery posts and terminals to prevent the buildup of corrosion.
