First I'm going to tell you something to NEVER EVER do, and why.

Second - WHAT to do, and why.

Third - two things to avoid, and why...

Polyurethane spray VARNISH. Sounds like an excellent way to protect a battery post, doesn't it? I thought so once upon a time, because corrosion mostly happens (so I thought) when metals are exposed to oxygen. Paint them, I reasoned, and the oxygen cannot get to the metal and cause deterioration...

Okay in theory, but guess what?

Polyurethane will in fact get in between the connecting surfaces, seep into the contacts, and INSULATE EVERYTHING ELECTRICALLY!

I don't expect you to believe me, go ahead and try it out... It is one hella nasty way to sabotage a car or a truck, so I usually don't talk about it at all.

Go squirt your negative post with some, and see what happens...

I'd be willing to bet it won't crank, and the lights won't come on, just that quick.

It is CLEAR. Hard to detect. You have to wait for it to dry, and THEN clean the contact surfaces to make sure you get it off. OH! But wait a minute - most people look at the negative, dress it up a little, and skip the positive...

The positive terminal is 99% of the time the problem because of that. So if you want to really screw someone up - squirt their positive terminal and then watch all of the fun!

I tried it out on one of my own years ago - and fortunately I realised what had to have happened. But the effect was stunning.

DON'T paint battery terminals, it won't do what you hope it will.
Try it - GO AHEAD! I guarantee you will never use it around an electrical contact of any kind again...

Next:
Most batteries have their terminals eaten because battery electrolyte gets on them. Electrolyte is a liquid, so anything that repels liquids is a good thing. If it has lubricational properties it's even better because the bolts to tighten the connections won't sieze up. It also needs to be a material that will allow metal-to-metal contact.

You can get a compound that does all three of those things in a size large enough to last about three or four years, for around a dollar and a half.

What is it called?

Vaseline, also known as petroleum jelly.

SAFETY NOTE: Mark the tub "FOR BATTERY USE ONLY" in case some acid/electrolyte gets into it over time... You don't want to use it for skin care if there is any chance of sulphuric acid contamination, trust me on that.

Now - I know a lot of people over time have gotten sold on those stupid green and red felt doughnuts that are put around battery terminals. I have news for you! THROW THEM AWAY!!!

The chemical in them that neutralises battery acid is only good until the very first time they absorb acid.

Think about it - the acid is neutralised, therefore SO IS THE CHEMICAL! NOW what do you have?

A felt doughnut acting like a sponge to absorb electrolye (acid) and keep it right around your teminals to well and truly ensure they are saturated with exactly what you don't want on them...

Another bad idea is battery protectant sprays. Similar reason, they become neutralised. Result? A bunch of sticky goop on your terminals that won't protect anything OR help lube the hardware. It's expensive too.

Like I said, I don't expect you to believe me just like that. Think back on your own experiences, and try "Plain Old Petroleum Jelly" for a change.

I think you'll change your mind if you had a different opinion to start with. Try it yourself! I've always said: "TRUST, BUT VERIFY!"

~Wolfie

 

Wolf that is so true about the paint but I'm cheap and have been using Petroleum Jelly for years not only on the battery but other electrical connections it doesn't take much

 

I spray Lubriplate grease on mine.

 

The man who explained all of that to me owns a collection of NASH, ESSEX, and other cars that date back all the way to the early twenties....

He was right, exactly so - and it is true to this very day.

The "OLD WAYS" are very often the best answer

 

I use it for several things that might get mositure to it like a light socket or like in my Dodge the control module box for my electronic igniton

 

I might use that spray on someones car

 

I figured someone might. Is your nickname "BOOGER" ?

 

I can see using the petroleum jelly. That sounds like a good, cheap alternative. But I have used the battery post sprays in the past with good success. The key was to clean the terminals, assemble it all, THEN spray the posts and terminals while they're together. I never saw even a hint of corrosion then. The spray was a few bucks and lasted for several batteries. Not as cheap as Vaseline, but much handier, and it was only a few bucks, so it didn't really break the bank.

Jason

 

Try the other - see what happens.

If it is better or worse pick one.

 

I disagree. My father has been with a forklift company that specializes in electric forklifts for over 20 years. All he uses is that red stuff. Works wonders. He was also a mechanic before that. We use the red spray stuff on ALL our vehicles and have never seen a single spot of rust or corrosion. The battery and connections on our Windstar are over 8 years old, and they look brand new. Same goes for our Aerostar that had 14 years and 180K on the clock. I use it on my truck with great results and will continue to use it...


Just my $0.02

 

I tend to use white lithium spray or chassis grease. Both do an excellent job of repelling moisture and preventing corrosion.

 

At the plating shop we use plain old chassis grease on the copper bus bars. Lots of acidic/corrosive solutions around all the time and it works great.

 

I used to do various methods to keep terminals clean until I tried the little felt washers (red and green) from the parts store. They work great with no fuss or bother.

 

Once they get wet they don't work so good.My wife bought some for my truck a week later I cleaned the engine compartment they quit working

 

They are not expensive, if they get wet I would replace them.