You could be familiar with anti-corrosion washers, anti-corrosive spray, and di-electric grease, or currently, you might be using one of these products to remove corrosion on your battery terminals. However, these products are priced excessively high.
But did you know that Vaseline, which you’ve been using for decades to protect your skin from drying out, is a more effective lubricant solution for preventing battery corrosion? This post will explain why and how you should apply this protective coating to your car‘s battery terminals. Continue reading to find out more.
What kind of grease do you put on battery terminals?
Many motorists are looking for a kind of grease to make their car batteries last longer. Some would use dielectric grease on battery terminals, cables, and other metal parts to prevent issues from happening. You can also use Vaseline to seal off any air leaks that cause ozone to accumulate in the joint. Vaseline is a petroleum jelly that could be used as an excellent corrosion-resistant covering for battery connections. It helps to form a protective layer around the terminals, lubricates them, and reinforces the electrical connection.
However, Vaseline is not made to withstand the high voltage electricity you have in your car’s electrical systems, so it may cause other parts of the wiring harness or cable insulation to overheat and melt away, eventually leading to a malfunctioning electrical system.
Is Vaseline a good conductor of electricity?
Have you wondered does vaseline prevent corrosion? Vaseline has good electrical conductivity properties but does not conduct electricity outside the battery terminals. Instead, it will help reduce corrosion if you store your vehicle for long periods in less-than-ideal conditions. It also prevents stray voltage that causes electronic issues from escaping into other vehicle parts. Petroleum jelly for battery terminals is a good idea. The jelly provides a thin layer of insulation and prevents corrosion by keeping moisture out of the connection.
Does Vaseline work as dielectric grease?
Vaseline can be used as a dielectric grease. Although it is not the best option, it will work in a pinch. Some other better options for dielectric grease include silicone-based lubricants and mineral oil. However, Vaseline is much more affordable than either of those two options, so if you are on a budget, it can be used as an alternative. Just apply a healthy coating to the battery terminals and connectors to ensure good contact and protect them from corrosion.
If you are not sure how to apply Vaseline or any other type of dielectric grease, consult your car’s manual or take it to a mechanic. Always remember to keep your car’s battery terminals clean and free of corrosion, or else you could end up with a dead battery.
Should you put anything on battery terminals to prevent corrosion?
If your battery terminals are clean and dry, you probably don’t need to do anything. But, if they’re dirty or covered in corrosion, you may want to use a light coat of Vaseline petroleum jelly or other greases. Just ensure to clean the terminals first before applying the preferred oil. This will help keep the corrosion from spreading and make it easier to clean the terminals in the future.
Moreover, some recommend using a light coat of baking soda instead of Vaseline on battery terminals to help keep corrosion at bay. But others say it’s unnecessary and creates another mess to clean up down the road.
Conclusion
Vaseline helps keep your batteries last for many years without issue since it has anti-corrosion properties on your battery terminals. It is not only an effective lubricant but also a cheaper substance to help you save from corroded terminals. Thus, keeping your battery healthy and functioning properly. If you’re unsure what to do, it’s always best to call a mechanic to remove corrosion on your battery terminals.
