Skip to main contentSkip to footer
Meineke Car Care logo

September 23, 2024

Anti-Corrosion Pads for Your Battery: What You Need to Know

What Are Anti-Corrosion Pads and Should You Get Them for Your Vehicle's Battery?

Imagine this: Your headed to Rhythms on the Riverwalk in Yorktown. But, you discover that your car won't start. So you pop the hood only to find corrosion on your car's battery. And you think to yourself: could this have been prevented?

Corrosion is one of the leading causes of premature battery failure in vehicles. Because, over time, the battery terminals can accumulate a crusty, white substance caused by the chemical reactions between battery acid and the metal terminals. And this corrosion reduces electrical conductivity, making it harder for your vehicle to start and eventually leading to battery failure. But, there's a fix for that: enter anti-corrosion pads—small, simple devices designed to prevent corrosion buildup. However, do they work, and should you get them for your vehicle's battery?

To answer these questions, the experts at Meineke in Yorktown break down anti-corrosion pads: do they work and should you get them for your vehicle's battery.

What Are Anti-Corrosion Pads?

Anti-corrosion pads, also known as battery terminal protectors, are small felt pads treated with a special chemical compound. And they are designed to sit at the base of your battery’s terminals and act as a barrier to corrosion. Also, they typically come in red and green colors to denote positive and negative terminals. And they are commonly sold in pairs and are inexpensive. As this makes them a simple, cost-effective addition to your vehicle’s maintenance routine.

How Do Anti-Corrosion Pads Work?

The felt pads are treated with a corrosion inhibitor (ie: a mixture of mineral oil and an alkali neutralizer) that neutralizes the acidic vapors emitted by the battery. And these vapors, which cause corrosion, are trapped by the pads before they can reach the metal terminals. So, by placing these pads around the battery posts, you can effectively stop the corrosive elements from damaging your vehicle’s battery terminals.

Why Is Battery Corrosion a Problem?

Battery terminal corrosion can lead to several issues with your vehicle, including:

  • Starting Problems: Corrosion disrupts the flow of electricity between your battery and the rest of the vehicle. And this makes it harder to start.

  • Shortened Battery Life: A corroded battery will have to work harder, causing it to wear out faster.

  • Increased Repair Costs: Battery corrosion can spread. And this can lead to expensive electrical system repairs or the need for a new battery altogether.

  • Potential for Total Battery Failure: If left unchecked, corrosion can lead to a complete loss of electrical conductivity. And this will cause the battery to fail without warning.

Should You Get Anti-Corrosion Pads for Your Vehicle?

The short answer is yes. Because anti-corrosion pads are worth the small investment. So, let look at some reasons why:

  1. Inexpensive Insurance for Your Battery: Anti-corrosion pads typically cost less than $10 for a set. And this makes them an affordable addition to regular battery maintenance.

  2. Prevents Electrical Issues: By preventing corrosion, the pads help maintain a clean connection between the battery and the vehicle’s electrical system. And this ensures optimal performance, especially in colder months when batteries tend to struggle.

  3. Easy Installation: Installing anti-corrosion pads is a straightforward process that requires no special tools. Simply slip the pads onto the battery posts before reconnecting the battery cables. So, you can do it yourself or ask your mechanic at Meineke in Yorktown to install them during routine maintenance.

  4. Low Maintenance: Once installed, anti-corrosion pads do not require regular attention. And they can last the lifetime of the battery and will work passively to protect the terminals from corrosion.

Are There Alternatives?

While anti-corrosion pads are a popular option, there are a few other methods to keep your battery terminals corrosion-free, such as:

  • Battery Terminal Grease: Specially formulated grease can be applied directly to the battery terminals to act as a barrier to corrosion.

  • Cleaning the Terminals Regularly: Using a mixture of baking soda and water to clean the terminals and a wire brush to remove any buildup can help prevent corrosion. However, this method requires more frequent attention than using pads.

  • Sealed or AGM Batteries: Some modern batteries, such as Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries, are designed to prevent leaking and corrosion. And while they may cost more upfront, they reduce the need for anti-corrosion accessories.

Final Verdict: Are Anti-Corrosion Pads Worth It?

If you're looking for a simple and effective way to extend the life of your vehicle's battery, anti-corrosion pads are a great option. Because they are inexpensive, easy to install, and provide long-term protection against the common problem of corrosion buildup. And while not strictly necessary, they can prevent headaches down the road. So, adding them to your battery care routine could mean the difference between a battery that lasts a few years and one that reaches its full lifespan. And remember, you can always call Meineke in Yorktown to help with your battery issues, questions, and concerns.

If the Meineke in Yorktown is not convenient, check out these other locally-owned Meineke locations:

Locations
Services
Coupons
Rewards