Does Using Vaseline Or Corrosion Preventive Spray Work On Batteries Terminals?

[tcbass]

So I found some corrosion on the battery terminals of one of my boats 2 trolling motor batteries. I cleaned it up with baking soda and water. I watched videos where they said to use Vaseline or other stuff on it afterward to prevent corrosion. I then saw specific battery corrosion protector spray at Walmart and Menards and bought some.

Does this spray or Vaseline work? Has anyone used it and it hasn't worked?

[sparky241]

Yes anti corrosive will delay corrosion on battery's, its needs to be cleaned off and reapplied after a few years, not sure on vasaline

[Smokinal]

I think the red sprays work well. The big thing you must remember is: I have seen people put vaseline/chemicals on the terminals before assembling. Big no-no. You want a good, clean, bare lead to lead connection. So, clean both the battery terminal and cable end well, assemble dry and clean, then put whatever chemical you want over the terminal/cable end.

[slonezp]

Clean the terminals first before applying. I use a product made by Permatex. Spray it on once a year and you're good to go.

[Fishing Rhino]

Here you go.  Clean your terminals, place a washer on each post, tighten, and spray with the CRC marine battery terminal protector.

 

I used something similar when I was a commercial lobsterman.  The stuff worked great.  Keep in mind, this was in a salt water environment, on a boat with all manner of electronic gear, not to mention the lighting, etc.  Never had a problem with corrosion.

 

http://www.westmarine.com/corrosion-grounding/the-noco-company--ncp-2-battery-terminal-protectors--14995898

 

http://www.westmarine.com/wiring-tools/crc-marine--marine-battery-terminal-protector--3732286

[tcbass]

I think the red sprays work well. The big thing you must remember is: I have seen people put vaseline/chemicals on the terminals before assembling. Big no-no. You want a good, clean, bare lead to lead connection. So, clean both the battery terminal and cable end well, assemble dry and clean, then put whatever chemical you want over the terminal/cable end.

I wish I would have seen this before I did it! lol.

I thought the spray was conductive and sprayed everything and then tightened it down. Now I'm going to need to brush it off and redo it. lol. It already made the connection not so good.

[scbassin]

I use marine grease which works well for me & I always have it in the back of my truck.

[Sam]

Went to a friend's crawfish boil two weekends ago and he is an avid Mustang guy who owns three of the little ponies.

 

His Mustang club friends bring their cars to the boil and open the hoods so we can see either the original parts or the beautiful replacement parts.

 

One Mustang had red and green "felt type circles" around each battery post.

 

These little "felt type circles" prevent corrosive battery terminals.

 

He got them at CARQUEST.

 

I plan to do the same when I get a chance to drive to the CARQUEST near me.

 

Just a suggestion.

[Fishing Rhino]

The washers are fine, but the best protection is the combination of washers and the spray.  It's the battery fumes that cause the corrosion.  The washers will only protect the bottom of the post and the clamp.  The spray will cover the sides and top.  Any unprotected part of the clamp is subject to corrosion.

 

It's important to clamp the terminal tightly against the impregnated felt washers for the best results.  You do not want the spray getting between the post and the clamp.  That's why the spray is applied AFTER all connections are tight.

 

If I'm not mistaken, the felt washers fit either the battery post, or the threaded stud on some batteries.  They come with a hole for the threaded studs, but the section around the stud hole is partially cut.  Press it out and it will fit a battery post.

[Fishing Rhino]

As an aside, you can protect all electrical connectors, light bulbs etc. from corrosion and seizing by applying a coat of dielectric grease to the connections.  Can also be used on bayonet or regular type fuses.