How to Avoid Battery Terminal Corrosion in Your BMW

If your BMW has been in the shop or garage for an extended time, you may want to check the battery before starting it. Many drivers need help with battery problems, especially when not recently driven.

The biggest problem with batteries is terminal corrosion. Terminal corrosion slowly weakens the battery, preventing it from holding and giving an electrical charge to your starter. Not catching it at an early stage of corrosion may leave you stranded with a BMW that will not start. Here is a guide for BMW’s battery terminal corrosion: avoidance tips.

What is Battery Terminal Corrosion?

Corrosion commonly occurs when battery acid reacts with its metal terminals. It may be brown, white, or blue/green colored. Another similar process, called sulfation, looks very much like corrosion, which occurs when lead sulfate crystals build up on the battery terminal because the battery is not maintained. It is typically gray, so paying attention to the colors in play can help determine which is happening.

What Causes Battery Terminal Corrosion?

Corrosion is a natural byproduct of your BMW’s battery. Without applying a protective coating to your terminals, automotive batteries heat up and cool down as you drive. This change in temperature releases hydrogen gas. When this hydrogen gas comes into contact with the electrically charged terminals, corrosion results.

Knowing what causes battery terminal corrosion does not help prevent the issue since it is a normal, natural process. However, it emphasizes the necessity of protecting your terminals when you install them. Proper installation is the best way to prevent battery terminal corrosion.

How Do I Prevent Battery Terminal Corrosion

How do you properly install batteries to prevent battery terminal corrosion? Having a professional help you with this process is always the best idea. Car batteries are not cheap, and you do not want to ruin a new battery by simply making a mistake in its installation. They carry dangerous, sometimes volatile chemicals. Accidents involving car batteries can leave you permanently injured. The good news is that once you get into the car and find the battery, most installation processes are similar for all vehicles. So, if you have any hesitation, there are usually technicians near you who can help you with your battery installation.

Before attempting to remove or install a new battery in your BMW, take proper safety precautions. Be sure to wear safety gloves to prevent you from getting battery acid on yourself. Protecting your eyes and lungs with safety goggles and a mask is also essential. These prevent you from burning your eyes or inhaling toxic fumes that may emanate from your battery.

When you are ready to remove your old battery, mix baking soda and water and use this cleaning solution to wipe down the battery casing. Clean your cables too, especially if you notice any corrosion. Next, it is time to get your new car battery into position. Before you connect it to the cables, apply a small amount of anti-corrosion gel to the battery terminals. You should be able to get this at any local auto parts retailer. You are now ready to connect the new battery terminals to your cables.

Can I Clean or Repair the Corrosion on My BMW Battery?

It is possible to clean corrosion from batteries. To do so, it is always best to disconnect the battery from your car first to prevent shock or injury. If you have a battery cleaning spray, use it liberally on all the affected areas of your battery. Then, use a wire brush to remove the corrosion. Be careful to dispose of this corrosion quickly and safely, as it is toxic to touch.

You can also clean the corrosion on your battery terminals with baking soda and water. If you choose this method, apply the baking soda to the affected areas first and then add water. Dry it quickly with a paper towel, then scrub the remaining corrosion off with a scrub brush.

Since corrosion is a naturally occurring phenomenon in your battery, you must understand that cleaning it is only a temporary fix. It is an excellent idea to clean your battery terminals regularly to extend their performance and overall lifetime. However, once the corrosion has set in significantly, the cost of its performance and the limited life left may outweigh the cost of purchasing a new battery.

If you have concerns about battery terminal corrosion on your BMW battery, schedule an appointment with Milestone Motors. We serve communities in Palm Beach, Wellington, West Palm Beach, and Royal Palm Beach, FL. We are leaders in servicing Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Mini, and Volkswagen vehicles. We would love to help you improve your BMW’s performance today.