Services
Insurance
Loans
Repairs
Advice
About

How do you protect car battery terminals from corrosion?

The terminals on my car battery keep corroding! I’m sure it’s draining my battery’s life. How can I protect my car battery terminals from corrosion?

avatar
Liz Jenson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
While there are plenty of ways to stop your corrosion from growing on your terminals, the cheapest and most effective method is to use petroleum jelly! Follow these steps to prevent your battery from corroding with petroleum jelly:
  • Use a wrench to remove the battery cables from both posts.
  • Scrub the terminals clean with a toothbrush dipped in a mixture of baking soda and water.
  • Rub about a tablespoon of petroleum jelly on each terminal.
Since the corrosion is caused by the battery-materials oxidizing, the petroleum jelly will stop corrosion by blocking any present oxygen. Keeping your battery corrosion-free will help the battery work at peak performance and reduce the likelihood of
your battery dying
.
Once you’re done protecting your car from corrosion, take a minute to find the best rate on the coverage you need with
Jerry
. A licensed broker, the Jerry app can help you compare personalized quotes from over 50 top providers like Progressive and Nationwide for free. When you find a better plan, Jerry can help you buy your new coverage and even help cancel your old policy!
View full answer 
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings