battery corrosion on 95 Civic

This may be a dumb question, but I keep getting corrosion on the
negative terminal of my 95 Civic. Is this something I should be worried
about, or is it common with this make and model year? My mechanics
don't seem too concerned.

 

It could mean that there is a crack or really small hole at the base of
the negative terminal. Battery acid might me coming out of that hole
whenever you drive the car--esp. if you hit a pothole. You might be able
to see the crack or hole after cleaning terminal really well. Use a
flashlight. If you are able to see the crack or hole, visit a store that
sells auto parts such as Auto Zone or NAPA and ask them to sell you a
product that may be able to seal the hole or crack. I have never had this
problem so if someone else that has had this problem posts a
comment--follow his or her advice.

 

Some corrosion is normal. Clean the corrosion off with by sprinkling a
liberal amount of baking soda on the terminal (and entire battery if
desired) and then applying a small amount of water. Use a brush to
scrub the paste-like solution around. Note the bubbling while the
solution neutralizes any acidity on the surfaces. After the bubbling
has stopped, rinse well with water. Apply a thin coat of grease to the
terminals to slow the corrosion process for next time.

Professor
www.telstar-electronics.com

 

"Some corrosion" is NOT normal. It's caused by mishandling that has broken
the case/post seal.

You can get felt washers that neutralize the acid fumes.

http://www.usahardware.com/inet/shop/item/03120/icn/20-
200451/east_penn/l652tp.htm

(should be all on one line)

You can get something similar at Wal-Mart.

 

Some corrosion is not the least bit unusual, as indicated by the fact that
so many people recommend using petroleum jelly or the felt washers you
suggest below to prevent it.

One cannot fully prevent the battery's operation from eating away at the
seal. On the other hand, if one is constantly inspecting and cleaning the
battery's terminals, the white powder indicative of corrosion may be
imperceptible.

The point is to regularly clean off and grease the terminals. Say at least
once or maybe twice a year. Don't wait until there's a sizable buildup of
the white powder.

 

That "white powder" is lead oxide, not the same thing as the bulky greenish
lumps that result from a broken seal. Lead oxide is caused by simple
exposure of lead to oxygen in the air and in moisture (just like rust or
aluminum oxide). It's that oxidation that you prevent by spraying the
teminals with grease.

If the battery's in good shape and the terminals are sprayed with grease,
that white powder never appears, even if you never clean the terminals. If
your case seal is broken, the corrosive gases escaping will overwhelm the
grease on the terminals, eventually causing corrosion anyway.