Lead acid batteries are rechargeable, have good life cycle and offer enhanced performance. However, they are vulnerable towards rusting; the battery panel or the electrodes start rusting because of regular charging and discharging, which if not taken care of disconnects the connection between batteries and equipment. When we talk about vehicles, corrosion in batteries restricts ignition as enough current is not drawn from the units. To know how to prevent such rusting, one should know the cause, effects and prevention of corrosion.

Composition and causes of corrosion (or oxidization)

Sealed lead acid battery or SLA (sometimes called dry battery units); decaying happens when electrolyte leaks through. In the case of flooded lead acid batteries (or wet batteries); electrolyte overflows while pouring water into the units. You may also observe smells of sulfuric acid; this acid comes in the form of fumes and gets discharges from the vents and joints while the battery is getting charged. Sometimes, overcharging the battery leads to escalation of temperature and chemical composition in it. This leads to leaking of electrolyte from the ports of overcharged flooded lead acid battery. Even if, the flooded units are not properly placed or kept, they also lead to leaking. In lead units, copper is also used for electrodes, or in copper clamps. Copper is not reactive to dilute sulfuric acid but prolonged exposure leads to oxidation of the copper electrodes. In the same unit Lead when exposed to Sulfuric acid, leads to formation of lead sulfate. The white deposits seen around the battery terminals are the lead sulfate. The bluish green substance that can be seen on the terminals is the corroded copper terminals, in the form of hydrated copper sulfate.

The electricity from the lead acid battery is mainly produced from lead. Lead is a secure metal. Its reaction with Sulfuric acid is slow. If contact happens at battery terminals in exposed air, it leads to formation of lead sulfate. Let us not involve more into the corrosion. Sealed lead acid units or silicone batteries have less risk of corrosion and so they are mainly used or corrosion free long life battery performance. However, if you are using the traditional one, then few measures and regular washing tactics improves the life of battery.

Prevention and cleaning of Corroded Battery Terminals:

To clean the bluish and white deposits from the terminals, first remove battery from current. Always use the protection gloves as these deposits have varying impact on skin. Clean the terminal with cleaning water. If it gets washed easily, then it is okay and nothing more has to be done. If they are stuck and hard to get off, then use caustic soda, washing soda by dissolving them in water and cleaning the terminals. If you know the batteries well then you can simply dip the battery terminals for short while in the made solution. Scrub it properly with non- chipping materials, to get off the remnants of the deposits.

You may also put preventive measures to have corrosion free long lasting backup batteries. Like you can place battery in dry place or environment, as moisture may affect electrodes. Never wash the battery with pressure jet, close the lids of cells tightly. You may put petroleum jelly or grease on the terminals to prevent oxidation.