Battery terminal corrosion

[OAP]

What causes the white powder/corrosion around the positive battery terminal?

Will grease prevent it, and is there a special type?

 

[Domus]

Vaseline was always the the recomended stuff when I was a lad, I just use a smear of lithium grease now

 

 

www.peters7.co.uk

 

 

[Clousta]

 

Corrosion at the battery terminals can prevent a car from starting, by adding electrical resistance. The white powder sometimes found around the battery terminals is usually lead sulfate which is toxic by inhalation, ingestion and skin contact. The corrosion is caused by an imperfect seal between the plastic battery case and lead battery post allowing sulfuric acid to attack the battery posts. The corrosion process is also expedited by over-charging. Corrosion can also be caused by factors such as, salt water, dirt, heat, and humidity in the air, a crack in the battery casing, or loose battery terminals. Inspection, cleaning, and protection with a coating are measures used to prevent corrosion of battery terminals.

 

Source Wikipedia

 

I use Vaseline or copper grease or at a push ordinary grease. I did have a can of stuff from Halfords once - it coated the terminals with a green goo but it seemed pretty expensive for the amount that it would be used.

 

Gavin

1988 1700 Supersprint (LA, long cockpit)

[OAP]

Thank you Clousta

I must remember to try Wikipedia first in future!