The operating cycle of lead-acid batteries releases hydrogen gas. Sealed lead-acid gel batteries largely contain this, and recombine it with their electrolyte. However, vented batteries release the flammable substance to the air. Lead-acid battery corrosion at the terminals is the outward sign of hydrogen gas venting, and could shorten battery life if not attended to.
Spotting Corrosion in Lead-Acid Batteries
Corrosion is the irreversible destruction of a vulnerable material by its environment. It follows that this process – if left unchecked – can damage a flooded lead-acid battery and shorten its life. In an extreme case it could even damage the electrical systems to which it connects, according to Continental Batteries.
However, there is no need to be horrified if you lift your auto hood, and spot some blue, green, or white stuff at a battery terminal. This could deteriorate into lead-acid battery corrosion if you ignore it, but fortunately the problem is easy to fix. In simple terms, you are looking at the result of escaping hydrogen gas reacting to moisture, salt, and air.
Factors Aggravating Corrosion in Batteries
Corrosion is the result of a vulnerable material reacting to its environment. Smart users can manage battery terminal corrosion by noting the following aggravating factors:
- Lead-acid terminal corrosion is increasingly common as batteries age.
- Corrosion is more likely during overcharging, or hot summer weather.
- Leaking electrolyte from a cracked battery case also causes corrosion.
How to Counter Lead-Acid Battery Corrosion
The simplest way to counter vented lead-acid battery corrosion, is to use sealed AGM or gel batteries depending on the application. However, you could also delay the onset by following these simple steps:
- The powder on the battery terminals is caustic. Wear hand and eye protection.
- Wash away any contamination from yourself immediately it happens.
- Scrape off any hard caking around the battery terminals very carefully.
- Cleanse the terminals, casing, and other affected areas with warm dilute baking soda.
- Dry, and grease the battery terminals to insulate them from their environment.
MORE HANDY TIPS
Corrosion on a positive lead battery terminal may be due to over-charging.
Corrosion on a negative lead battery terminal may be due to under-charging.
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