What causes corrosion on car battery terminals

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The ofa a Theprimary primary function of car to store storethe the carbattery battery is is to electrical generated electrical energy generated by bythe the alternator ininthethe form ofof chemical energy. form chemical energy.


It fulfills the energy requirement of the starter motor, spark plug and other types of electrical accessories of the car.


Any kind of malfunction in such an important component of the car could disrupt the electrical power supply which could bring down the vehicle.


Corroded battery terminals not only destabilizes the flow of electrical current from the battery but also adversely affects its longevity.


So, it is highly recommended to keep the terminals of a battery clean to establish a steady supply of the electrical power.


CAUSES OF CAR BATTERY TERMINAL CORROSION


Modern cars use lead-acid batteries which have a cathode (lead alloy grid filled with sponge lead) and an anode (lead alloy grid coated with lead dioxide). Sulfuric acid acts as electrolyte.

LEAKAGE OF SULFURIC ACID


Leakage of sulfuric acid might be responsible for the corroded battery terminals.


Overfilling the battery with distilled water is solely responsible for the leakage of sulfuric acid through the terminals.


A car battery generates a certain amount of hydrogen gas in the process of power storage which escapes from the battery through a vent hole located on the filler cap.

LEAKAGE OF HYDROGEN GAS


However, a blocked vent hole fails to discharge the hydrogen gas which could be responsible for the battery terminal corrosion.


An overcharged battery could be responsible for the leakage of electrolyte through the terminals which could be responsible for corroded battery terminals.

BATTERY OVERCHARGING


Besides, copper clamp combines with the sulfuric acid in the presence of electric current to generate copper sulphate which is solely responsible for the battery terminal corrosion.


FINALLY


Corroded battery terminals not only adversely affect the power supply but also reduces the lifespan of a car battery.


So, the condition of the battery terminals should be inspected regularly and efforts should be made to keep the terminals clean.


A battery with clean terminals could last longer and perform well.


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