Why Is There Corrosion Around My Car Battery?

What Is Battery Corrosion?

Battery corrosion is a chemical reaction between battery acid and nearby materials, often the battery case itself. It appears as a buildup of white, blue, or greenish substance, typically a powdery material, around battery terminals and cables. Now, the most common reason is an external charger that doesn’t stop sending power when the battery is full. If you notice corrosion only on the positive terminal, this can indicate overcharging, and if there is  Corrosion on the negative battery terminal, it is a sign of undercharging, which most often happens if you take short trips and use a lot of electronics in your vehicle. 

Common Causes of Battery Corrosion

Overcharged or Undercharged Battery

Either Excessive charging or Insufficient charging can cause battery terminal corrosion. These issues are commonly a result of a failing alternator which may be producing either too much or too little power to sustain healthy operation of the vehicle’s electrical system.

• Undercharging results in corrosion on the negative terminal 
• Overcharging results in corrosion on the positive terminal

Battery Age

A typical car battery lasts three to five years and as car batteries get older they become more vulnerable to corrosion.  It’s a good idea to check the replacement date listed on your battery, especially if you are unsure of when exactly the battery was last replaced. 

Battery Leaks and Spills

When battery acid leaks or spills, it exposes the battery terminals to the corrosive sulfuric acid in the battery, leading to corrosion. This usually happens due to damaged battery cases or improper handling of the battery, as even small leaks can allow the battery acid to accumulate around the terminal posts. 

High Temperatures

Extreme heat can increase the rate of chemical reactions within the battery, leading to faster corrosion. These issues are more prevalent in hot climates where the outside air temperature can lead to an overheated battery. 

Why Battery Corrosion Is a Problem

Battery terminal corrosion can cause a bad connection between your battery terminals and the rest of the system, preventing the battery from being charged properly. Excessive battery corrosion may lead to an inability to start the vehicle at all, potentially leaving you stranded.

Preventing Corrosion

Check the Car Battery Age 

Car batteries are intended to last three to five years. Check the date of replacement on your current battery and ensure it has been swapped out within the last few years. If your battery is more than three years old and you see any electrical issues, it might be time for a new car battery.

Have Your Battery Checked Regularly

It’s important to have your car battery checked regularly. Spotting those issues early and making sure they’re fixed before they turn into bigger problems

Electrical & Battery Services in Austin, TX

At Edgestone Automotive in Austin, Texas. Our team has extensive experience servicing electrical systems on all makes and models. Whether you’re dealing with a dead battery, a faulty alternator, or any other electrical fault, trust our expert technicians to accurately and efficiently service your vehicle. Give us a call or schedule online today to speak with our friendly and knowledgeable service advisors.