Terminals

Malfunctioning Battery Terminals

Battery terminals are one of the easiest and cheapest fixes on a car. The problem with a battery terminal issue is that it is easy to mistake the problem for a wiring or battery problem in general. The battery terminals are the connection between the battery and the engine that allow the battery to power the car. There are various battery terminal types, but you will be able to recognize them because they are always right at the edge of the battery. Dual battery terminals are on each side of the battery, one for positive and one for negative. Some cars will have battery cable terminals, which will be cables coming from the battery that lead to the actual terminal.

Corroded Battery Terminals

The biggest problem with terminal is that they become unclean. Battery terminal corrosion is identifiable because the battery terminal will look as if it is rusting. Copper battery terminals and other metal terminals will get this look. One battery terminal treatment for corrosion is to use an battery terminal anti-corrosion compound. These compounds go right on the battery terminals and will clean them so that they will make a good connection. Cleaning corroded battery terminals will take only about 15 minutes and is very inexpensive to do, so you should try to do it yourself rather than paying someone to do it for you.

Dirty Battery Terminals

Another problem with the terminals is just the build up of dirt and junk over time. A battery terminal protector can keep this problem from happening in the future. Using heavy-duty battery terminals also will help with keeping the terminals making a good connection because it will take more build up to cause any problems with them. Battery terminal cleaning is an easy way to see if the problem with your car is one that does not require a trip to the mechanic’s shop. Clean the terminal cables and the battery terminal crimpers to see if you can stop the problem before it gets any worse. Various inexpensive battery terminal cleaners are available on the market, and they can do a quick job to keep your terminals healthy. Use one of the cleaners at least every three months to keep the dirt and grime from building up on your terminal cables. Doing so is a little maintenance project that will help you keep your car running smoothly.