Car Battery Question

[337_BCM]

I'm getting mixed answers when searching for an answer. Is it recommended to put something like dielectric grease or something else on battery terminals? Or is it better to leave them bare? Just changed my battery and am wanting to do it right. Thanks in advance

 

[Tom702]

I always use dielectric grease and it seems to help. I also put some on the terminal clamp. Those old school red/green felt things seem to be more of a problem than they are worth as they may prevent the terminal clamp from seating fully on the terminal.

 

[Bob R]

Go old school and glue a pre 1983 penny 1/8th of an inch from the battery terminals on top of the battery. Don't touch the terminal.

bob

 

[Bonez]

Go old school and glue a pre 1983 penny 1/8th of an inch from the battery terminals on top of the battery. Don't touch the terminal.

bob

I haven’t heard of this before; how does this help?

 

[337_BCM]

I haven’t heard of this before; how does this help?

Some type of sacrificial anode I’m guessing?

 

[Gullwing]

I never used the grease, didn't see anyone else using it either in the shop. But if you want to use it fine.

 

[Bob R]

I haven’t heard of this before; how does this help?

In the days old before sealed batteries you would glue the penny to the battery to act as a sacrificial anode because of the battery acid leaking. The copper would corrode and help keep your terminals clean longer. It is said it is fairly ineffective these days because batteries are sealed but I am not sure. I had to have my batteries and battery hold down brackets replaced under warranty due to corrosion fron leaking "sealed" batteries.

I use aircraft corrosion preventive spray on my battery terminals and have no issues.

bob

 

[tdyoung58]

I just leave them without anything.
I do spray the complete terminal with battery anti-corrosion stuff.

 

[hellcat287]

I never put anything on the terminals. You can always clean them up later with a battery terminal brush.

 

[GLENN]

I'm getting mixed answers when searching for an answer. Is it recommended to put something like dielectric grease or something else on battery terminals? Or is it better to leave them bare? Just changed my battery and am wanting to do it right. Thanks in advance

Ive worked in the auto industry for years and found that they do help. I personally use a light coat Vaseline. Is it really needed? No.. but it is a lite insurance. Battery corrosion can still happen but not as bad.

 

[Rodentkiller]

Do not put any grease on the battery terminals or you will have problems like a dead battery I speak from knowlege from my dad being a retired electrical engener trust me he use to tell me all the time all contections must be clean and tight.

 

[MAC702]

Do not put any grease on the battery terminals

Unless, you know, it's an electrically conductive grease designed for the application.