Battery corrosion is a common problem that can cause reduced battery life and electrical problems in vehicles. Corrosion appears on the negative battery terminal and is a symptom of undercharging, which can happen if youre taking short drives and your battery doesn't have enough time to fully charge. Batteries contain a combination of sulfuric acid and water, and when the corrosive gas or liquid from inside the battery comes in contact with the metal on the outside of the battery, a chemical reaction results, causing corrosion. There are several ways this can occur, including:
- Battery overcharging
- Old battery
- Leaking electrolyte solution
- Adding too much water during battery maintenance
Corrosion on or around your battery’s surfaces can lead to increased resistance within the circuit, which can disrupt the electrical current, causing damage to the electrical systems within your vehicle. To avoid battery corrosion, it's important to properly maintain your battery and ensure it's not overcharging or undercharging. If you notice corrosion on your battery terminals, it's important to clean it off to prevent further damage to your battery and electrical systems.
