How to lubricate the terminals so that they do not oxidize. The better to lubricate the car battery terminals so that they do not oxidize

It is recommended to lubricate the car battery terminals. But first you need to clarify: why perform this procedure?

It is recommended to lubricate the car battery terminals. But first you need to clarify: why perform this procedure? Lubricant is applied in order to avoid the formation of oxide. It is a white patch. In fact, we are talking about oxidation caused by the action of an aggressive environment and, first of all, electrolyte vapors. In the first stages of battery operation, the formation of oxide is almost imperceptible. But gradually the appearance of white plaque adversely affects the battery. As a result, current leakage begins to occur, which leads to rapid discharge and difficulties with starting the power unit.

If the car owner ignores this problem for a long time, then the terminals will need to be changed or restored. Let's see how we can avoid this situation.

If you choose a large online store, the buyer will be able to find more than 10 different compositions. But practice shows that only a few effectively cope with the task.

In which case the question arises: how to lubricate battery terminals from oxidation to achieve a positive effect and not spend extra money?

Reviews indicate that from the numerous compositions, no more than 5 can be distinguished that really deserve attention. The main criteria for evaluation are:

• possibility of operation at low and high temperatures;
• efficiency. We are talking about protective characteristics, due to which the terminals are protected from corrosion processes;
• ease of use;
• the duration of the effect;
• elimination of discharges.

The table shows the TOP-5 lubricants with high acid resistance, tightness and viscosity. Here you can see the temperature range during operation.

When choosing an effective composition for battery terminals, it is recommended to take into account the following parameters:

• resistance to acids. The substance should minimize the level of formation of oxidative processes;
• viscosity level. It is one of the most important properties. Since the device is operated at high temperatures, decomposition of lubricants occurs. Therefore, with a low or medium viscosity of the composition, the car owner will often have to apply it to the surface of the terminals;
• temperature Range. The vehicle can be operated at low and high temperatures. Therefore, the lubricant must perform its functions throughout the year. At the same time, the viscosity level must remain high;
• protection from moisture and oxygen. Under this parameter it is necessary to understand tightness;
• dielectricity.

Not all lubricants meet the listed requirements. Some of them protect quite well from the formation of condensate and the effects of oxygen. At the same time, they have insufficient viscosity.

Other greases are highly acid resistant but are not designed to operate over a wide operating temperature range.

It should be emphasized that in the listed parameters there is no consideration of the basis. Before buying a lubricant, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with this criterion.

This foundation is almost perfect. It can be used during operation from minus 60 to plus 180 degrees. The silicone base perfectly displaces condensate, prevents oxidative processes and has an impeccable dielectricity. At the same time, all silicone-based lubricants have a rather significant drawback - high fluidity. Therefore, a car owner who chooses such a lubricant will often have to look under the hood and apply it to the surface of the terminals. When buying such a composition, you must pay attention to the absence of conductive components.

Particularly popular with car owners are the products of the German brand Liqui Moly. The composition of the Presto brand has not bad performance characteristics, the cost of which is much lower in Liqui Moly. The photo shows lubricants for battery terminals of the indicated brands.

Silicone is used as the main component of such substances. Some sources claim that Teflon lubricants are great for protecting battery terminals from oxidizing. In fact, the substance in question is a "liquid key". It has high penetrating power. Therefore, it is necessary to use Teflon lubricants for other purposes, and it is recommended to look for other substances to protect the terminals from the appearance of white deposits.

Polymer and organic-based products can be used to protect battery terminals. A polymer or synthetic backing is ideal for protecting moving parts. In this case, the task of the agent is to provide maximum protection against oxidation. Therefore, it is better to choose a mineral base and focus on additives. It should be noted that the presence of various types of additives demonstrates maximum efficiency in protecting the terminals from corrosion processes. The most common mineral-based lubricants are the following:

• vaseline - is a ointment-like liquid. Depending on the level of cleaning, it can have a translucent color, as well as black and yellow. The main components are mineral oils and paraffins. The tool is used in the medical industry and the technical segment. All types of petroleum jelly can be used to lubricate the terminals, but experts recommend using a translucent composition, which can be bought at almost any pharmacy. If the composition in question has a dark color, then most likely it is intended for technical purposes. It must be applied only with gloves, avoiding contact with exposed skin. The composition has a high melting point. Resistant to electrolyte and moisture. Therefore, it copes well with the tasks set, protecting the battery terminals from oxidative processes;
• Cyatim 201. This material is non-conductive and dries quickly on the surface. It is resistant to low temperatures;
• Solidol. This material has a high resistance to moisture and a high level of fire safety. A significant disadvantage of the lubricant is the increase in fluidity with increasing temperature to plus 65 degrees. It is recommended to use only if there are no other means from the owner of the car.

Litol can also be used as a lubricant. It has approximately the same characteristics as grease. Both lubricants are oil based. It should be noted that many car owners still use these tools, despite the abundance of modern compounds.

Among modern products, it is necessary to highlight the LIQUI MOLY KUPFER-SPRAY spray. It is designed for operation at temperatures from minus 30 degrees to plus 1000. The composition of the aerosol includes mineral oil. In accordance with the instructions, this aerosol is intended for the treatment of brake pads. However, it can be used for battery terminals. In the process of spraying, it is recommended to cover the area around the terminals with adhesive tape.

Especially for terminals, Liqui Moly releases Batterie-Pol-Fett, which paints the surface red. The substance can be used at temperatures from minus 40 to plus 60 degrees Celsius. Reliably protects a metal surface from corrosion processes. According to its physico-chemical characteristics, the composition in question is technical petroleum jelly. Also, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, it can be used to protect the connectors and contacts of the vehicle's electrical network.

Spray Vmpauto MC1710 is made on the basis of organic and polymeric oil in combination with silicone. The tool is intended for operation at temperatures from minus 10 to plus 80 degrees. It is considered a fairly effective tool for protection against water and aggressive environments.

Batterie-Pol-Schutz is produced by the Presto brand. The main component of the composition is wax. Designed to protect against corrosion processes, moisture oxidation. The manufacturer claims that when using Batterie-Pol-Schutz, the power of the battery is not reduced, and the occurrence of sliding discharges is also excluded. The substance can be operated at temperatures from minus 30 to plus 130 degrees Celsius. Sold in aerosol cans.

In general, all wax-based lubricants represented by Batterie-Pol-Schutz offer many advantages:

• maximum retention level;
• high tightness;
• no stray discharges.

For these purposes, consistent substances are used, which include special thickeners. Such compositions are almost 90% composed of polymer or organic oil. Additional elements are additives and other components. A fairly popular tool is Molykote HSC Plus lubricant. Unlike other compounds, the agent in question is intended to improve electrical conductivity. Also, the composition has high performance characteristics and can be used at temperatures from minus 30 to plus 1100 degrees.

The battery terminal paste in question is sold in 100 ml tubes. It should be emphasized that the increase in the electrical conductivity of Molykote HSC Plus paste is quite an important advantage and distinguishes it from competitors.

Among professional car owners, copper-pigmented grease, based on organic or polymeric oil, has become widespread. An example is Berner grease, which can be operated at temperatures from minus 40 to 1000 degrees. The tool is sold in the form of an aerosol can. Like Molykote HSC Plus, it is highly conductive and also provides protection for:

• from corrosion;
• oxidation.

The improved composition reliably protects the battery terminals from oxidative processes and the effects of electrolyte vapors. The composition has a red color, due to the presence of a copper pigment.

On specialized forums, you can find information that some car owners use graphite-based grease to protect the terminals. Such data is not reliable. It is necessary to highlight three characteristic features of graphite-based lubricants:

1. high level of resistance;
2. temperature increase during the passage of current;
3. operation at temperatures from minus 20 to plus 70 degrees.

Thus, the lubricant is not intended for processing the terminals. Moreover, under certain conditions, overheating and fire are possible. Given the listed features of graphite grease, it is not recommended to use it for processing terminals.

Applying lubricant is recommended before mounting the battery. The car owner does not need to wait until a white coating forms on the surface. The procedure does not require frequent intervention: it is enough to apply lubricant once every 2 years. If we are talking about a maintenance-free battery, that lubricant may well be enough for three to four years. The frequency of application of the composition depends on several criteria:

• battery;
• operating conditions;
• condition of the vehicle wiring;
• environment.

If traces of oxidation reappear as a result of cleaning the metal surface of the terminal, then the use of lubricant will not help. Most likely the problem is overcharging or cracking.

The work on cleaning the terminals provides for the following algorithm:

1. dismantling of terminals;
2. cleaning the surface with a felt or brush. A soda solution will help simplify the procedure;
3. washing with distilled water;
4. installation and treatment with lubricant.

Various agents can be used for surface treatment, depending on the degree of oxidation:

• fine-grained sandpaper. It is recommended to use it, since abrasive particles will not remain on the surface;
• Toothbrush. This tool is relevant to use only if the car owner plans to carry out preventive maintenance. The same applies to sponges for washing dishes;
• felt - is one of the best materials for removing traces of oxidation;
• special scraper (shown in the photo below);
• special brushes. Such devices can be purchased in a specialized online store. Toptul and Autoprofi brands are distinguished by high-quality performance;
• soda solution. For cooking, you will need about a quarter liter of distilled water and 1.5 tablespoons of baking soda.

If a thorough cleaning of the surface is required, then you can use a drill by installing a special brush nozzle. When using a drill, it is not recommended to apply significant effort. Removing traces of oxidation is much more effective with little effort.

Before performing work, it is necessary to assess the condition of the terminals. If a white coating has just appeared on the surface of the metal, then it is quite enough to use a soda solution and felt. In exceptional situations, you will have to resort to using a special tool.

The terminals of any battery are regularly exposed to the negative effects of aggressive environments. As a result, oxidative processes occur, which are reflected in a decrease in battery performance. The task of the motorist is to ensure the functionality of the battery and protect it from aggressive influences. Therefore, it is necessary to correctly approach the choice of lubricant. As noted, the composition must conduct current, be distinguished by high tightness and viscosity. The article lists the most popular and effective means. But their use is relevant only in cases where the situation is not taken to extremes.

We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the video, which discusses the most effective means for protecting the terminals. The material discusses the main causes of the appearance of white plaque on the terminals and ways to eliminate them.

Car owners will be able to directly familiarize themselves with the catalog of modern lubricants. The catalog contains effective products of well-known and little-known brands. Customers will be able to purchase oil-based and silicone-based lubricants, lubricating pastes and other formulations.

The cost of a product depends on a number of criteria, from the brand to the composition. The method of application also matters. For example, Presto Batterie-Pol-Schutz of the Dutch brand will cost the buyer from 1600 to 1900 tenge. Molykote HSC Plus conductive paste in a 100 ml container costs approximately 5800 tenge. Means of the famous brand Liqui Moly are presented in a wide range. Silicone lubricants in disposable bags can be purchased for 450-550 tenge. In general, the purchase of expensive funds in large volumes is relevant for specialized services.

For the average car owner, a small tube is quite enough, especially since under standard conditions the product will need to be used once every few years.

Each driver must clearly know how to lubricate the battery terminals so that they do not oxidize, because this makes it possible to avoid problems. An irresponsible attitude in this matter will lead to the fact that in order to start off, the car will need to be pushed, and the battery life will decrease. As for its restoration, this is a rather costly business, and buying a new one is even more so.

What tool to use anyway? The question is very relevant among motorists. There are both those who are trying to acquire brand new products, and there are those who trust only proven methods.

As for modern means, the following are used:

• Molykote HSC Plus. It has high electrical conductivity. Operates at temperatures from -30 to + 1100 degrees Celsius.
• Spray lubricant made in Germany. Well protects the terminals from oxidation. Promotes stable voltage supply.
• "Ciatim". Has good conductivity. It is famous for its affordable price.

Causes of oxidation

Having dealt with the types of lubricants, you should find out why the battery terminals are oxidized. In fact, there are a number of reasons, here are the main ones:

• Poor contact between the end of the wire and the battery itself. During operation, a gap arose into which vapors from the electrolyte enter. The damage needs to be sealed.
• The terminal cover is scratched or worn. Replacement required.
• The battery terminal is not sealed. The electrolyte seeps out and the surface of the contact assembly corrodes.
• The generator has been recharged. In this case, you should go to the experts.

If the battery terminals are constantly oxidized, what should I do? It was said above how to behave in the case of the given reasons. But what to do when the oxidation became so strong that the car stopped starting. In this case, the terminals must be cleaned. To do this, sandpaper is taken and the plaque is carefully erased. Be very careful not to damage the insulating sheath. Perform work with gloves. For better contact, use one of the lubricants discussed above.

When the positive terminal is oxidized, this can happen for the following reasons:

• In some place, the tightness of the battery is broken. It is urgent to intervene in the situation, because over time, the acid will be able to eat through the body without any problems.
• The battery was systematically recharged, which led to overheating of the electrolyte and, as a result, it began to evaporate too actively. In this situation, there is nothing left but to go to the car market or to the car shop to buy a brand new device.

What to lubricate? At the beginning of the article, the most popular lubricants, both old and new, were given. You only need to add grease for the liqui moly battery terminals. Among its features, reliable protection of contacts against corrosion should be noted. The motor will work in all weather conditions. Most importantly, the battery life is increased by almost two and a half times. This lubrication prevents current leakage. Before applying it, it is necessary to clean the required place with high quality. Again, use a knife or sandpaper, as described earlier.

They also figured out how to deal with a discharged battery and whether it is worth doing it ... But life has thrown a new situation, and it’s completely banal.

Gloomy morning, frost at -25, several attempts to start the car - and now you are already carrying the battery home for charging. Before you throw on the contacts of the "charger", clean the terminals - a certain amount of oxides and dirt has probably accumulated on them. We charged the battery, put it in, wound up ... you can go! And the contact groups at the places where the battery is connected, the same "minus" and "plus", remained dry. Do they need to be lubricated? For what? What to lubricate? How?

I must say that on all these seemingly simple issues among the "experienced" disputes do not subside - imagine, this is one of those automotive topics on which you can argue endlessly. We, without delving into the secret knowledge of Kabbalah and divination on the sediment of motor oil, decided to give some average, one hundred percent guide on these issues. It will come in handy for both beginners and experienced ones, because such questions are rarely raised now - as a rule, we all get under the hood of a car no more often than it takes to top up the washer.

Do battery terminals need to be lubricated?

In fact, the terminals can not be lubricated. In the sense that a modern car can, in principle, not be monitored very much - at the very least it is capable of driving for some time without any maintenance at all. The current electrical circuits of the car and, in particular, batteries are designed in such a way that they need much less maintenance than before. However, the laws of physics and, in particular, the passage of time cannot be deceived - if the terminals are not lubricated, problems, including quite serious ones, will gradually begin to make themselves felt. Therefore, the answer here is this: you can not lubricate, but it is much better to do it anyway.

Why lubricate battery terminals?

Over time, oxides appear on the contact groups, which by themselves do not conduct electric current. In addition, dust and dirt accumulate in the engine compartment, some of it settles on the terminals and adds electrical resistance at the points of contact. The consequence of these processes is a drop in battery performance, a decrease in energy and difficulty during start-up. Some motorists prefer not to lubricate the terminals, but simply periodically clean them with fine sandpaper. But our task is precisely to protect, “preserve” the terminals, keeping them in a more or less pristine state, so that subsequently we do not have to get rid of oxides and dirt mechanically - this is not a very pleasant and fleeting process.

How to lubricate battery terminals?

Until about the 1970s, drivers used exclusively grease, nigrol or lithol for these purposes. The latter can still be easily found on sale under the full name "Litol-24". With the advent of VAZ cars, technical petroleum jelly was developed, which is also used today. Lithol and petroleum jelly are good, but they are easily washed off with shampoos and, in general, in comparison with modern products, form a less durable film. Therefore, you can use more advanced auto chemicals - in the store we just ask: “lubricant for electrical contacts” or “lubricant for battery terminals”.

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Many manufacturers have such lubricants, they are red, blue or blue in color, which makes it easier for you to understand whether there is a sufficient protective layer on the terminal. Lubricants are divided into conductive and those that do not conduct current. In addition, ordinary graphite grease, which also conducts current, can be used as terminal protection. And it seems like conductive lubricants are better in this case. However, as we can see from the next paragraph, the conductivity property should not be put at the forefront, because we are not lubricating the contact area, but the outer surfaces.

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How to lubricate battery terminals?

This mistake, oddly enough, is quite common - out of ignorance, a person lubricates the terminals on the battery, and then puts the terminals on them. In this way, a dried lubricant film can be obtained, which does not conduct current at all where it really needs to be carried out.

It is necessary to do exactly the opposite: put on the terminals, tighten them tightly and only after that apply lubricant - in a word, you need to lubricate the terminals on the wires, and it is on the outside, and the upper ends of the leads. If you use a modern lubricant in an aerosol can, the resulting "cap" can be slightly leveled. Of course, all work is best done with gloves.

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It is imperative to lubricate the terminals, and, in very simple words, this is necessary in order to have good contact so that there are no losses due to a poor connection. First, the appearance of oxides leads to energy losses, and start-up problems may occur. And secondly, the resistance increases on the contact group, which means that heat is generated, which can lead to sad consequences, up to the melting of the battery terminals and even the case. Before lubricating the terminals, they must be cleaned - with ordinary sandpaper or using special tools that are now on sale. Any water-repellent grease is suitable for lubricating the terminals.

The operation of car batteries is associated with increased loads due to significant temperature fluctuations in the engine compartment, exposure to dirt, dust and moisture. In addition, sometimes there are situations associated with overheating of the battery and the release of excess pressure through the valves with the release of acid fumes.

All this inevitably leads to a gradual deterioration of contact and. To reduce the negative oxidizing effect of various reagents on the contact pads of the battery, lubricants are used that are smeared on top of securely assembled junctions.

Maintenance

Is it always necessary to protect the terminals from oxidation

In a technically sound car with a good battery, which does not have cracks on the case, including those caused by excessive force when tightening the terminals, their oxidation occurs very slowly. If the machine is parked in a dry and ventilated place, the risk of poor contact is further reduced.

Nevertheless, no matter in what ideal conditions the car is operated, oxidation and burning of contacts inevitably occur in it, which is most pronounced at the battery terminals, where huge currents of hundreds of amperes pass at the moment the starter is started. In addition, water vapor and oxygen are always present in the air, which slowly but surely lead to corrosion of metals.

In the presence of a whitish coating, which most often occurs on the positive terminal of the battery, the use of a protective lubricant makes it possible to continue operating the car if it is not possible to replace the battery. To do this, it is necessary to clean the contacts, put grease-soaked felt pads between the battery case and the terminals, connect them to the conductors, tighten and lubricate the contact connection from above. The negative terminal also needs protection from burnout and oxidation, due to the constant presence in the hot engine compartment with road dust and moisture.

The use of grease for the terminals will help extend the life of the battery and improve the overall reliability of the car. The use of special compounds to protect the battery terminals seems to be a reasonable preventive measure that can reduce the number of unpleasant surprises that can appear at the most inopportune moment.

How to lubricate the terminals from oxidation

The main purpose of lubricating electrical connections is to prevent dirt and oxygen from entering the contact point, which helps to ensure that they do not oxidize.

It is desirable that the protective coating does not collect excess dirt and performs its protective functions for as long as possible. There are many different options for protecting battery terminals, each of which has certain advantages and disadvantages. The main condition should be the absence of a corrosive effect on contacts, wire insulation and surrounding rubber parts, high temperature and acid resistance.

These are compositions, as a rule, based on mineral oil with the addition of graphite powder. They have good water-repellent properties and excellent protection against corrosion. The usual graphite lubricant composition can withstand temperatures from -20 to +70 degrees, but there are also more expensive high-temperature options. In connection with the possible overheating of the engine compartment in hot weather, it is better to use them.

Graphite conducts electricity well, so its penetration into the contact joint does not worsen the electrical contact as much as a lubricant with dielectric properties does.

This type of grease withstands high temperatures, has anti-corrosion properties, adheres well to the surface, but does not conduct electricity. They are made on an oil basis with the addition of special additives and dyes that facilitate the application of a protective coating.

This is a good option for protection against oxidation when using special protection compounds, for example, from LiquiMoly, Addinol, Molykote, Gunk and others.

These lubricants are durable, have a high viscosity, conduct electricity well, withstand high temperatures (from -35 to several hundred degrees), perfectly protect against corrosion, moisture, and burnout.

Special copper lubricants for electrical contacts are available in the form of sprays, such as Berner, as well as copper dabs for highly loaded moving joints. They have different properties, but both options can be used to protect battery contacts.

These lubricants withstand temperatures from -30 to +130 degrees, have an average viscosity, adhere well to the surface and provide high tightness of electrical contacts.

A good wax-based compound is Presto Batterie Pol Schutz, which can withstand temperatures from -30 to +130 degrees and is easy to apply with an aerosol spray.

This is an excellent option for protecting contact joints with good resistance to hot vapors and disinfectant solutions. Silicone grease adheres well to surfaces, is neutral and can operate in a wide temperature range from -40 to +150 degrees. Produced by many trusted manufacturers, including Shell, Fuchs, Molykote, Roco and others.

The disadvantage of silicone lubricants is the need for regular renewal of the protective coating.

These include such common compounds as grease, lithol, cyatim 201, petroleum jelly. These compounds are used to protect against wear of rubbing surfaces, have a high fluidity, which increases with increasing temperature in the engine compartment, so they are not very suitable for protecting electrical contacts. In case of serious problems with the oxidation of contacts, they can be used to protect the terminals, but it is better to do this only in the winter season, when these lubricants are less fluid.

There are special formulations based on mineral oils containing special additives that improve their temperature resistance and therefore make them suitable for terminal protection. These include:

• Liqui Moly Kupfer Spray is a copper powdered oil lubricant designed for brake pads. It can also be used as a protective coating for the outer surface of the contacts;
• Liqui Moly Batterie Pol Fett is a special protective lubricant with a red dye. Permissible temperatures - from -40 to +60 degrees.
• Vmpauto MC1710 - a mixture of various oils, as well as silicone with a blue dye. Can be used at temperatures from -10 to +80 degrees.

These lubricants are designed to form a dry coating on rubbing parts. They are not well suited for protecting electrical contacts due to their high penetrating power, which can impair electrical contact.

Breaking the contact in the battery terminals, where very strong currents flow, is not only undesirable, but also dangerous. In this regard, it is not recommended to use Teflon lubricants on contact joints.

How to properly lubricate terminals

The protective properties of the lubricant are provided only with serviceable and good electrical contacts in the protected joints. If it is not there, then applying lubricant will not restore it.

When applying lubricant to the terminals, it must be understood that it is not necessary to apply it between the contact surfaces so as not to impair conductivity. Before connecting the terminals to the conductors, it is necessary to achieve the ideal purity of the metal on the contacts, up to processing with a coarse cloth or fine sandpaper, wipe them with alcohol, and only then twist them. After that, it is necessary to apply a protective composition to the joint assembled and tightened with the necessary force. If the lubricant is thick, then it can be smeared on the contacts with a rubber glove, and when using a spray, treat the protected surfaces from a can.

The application of conductive copper grease inside the contact pads can be justified in case of their poor quality, the presence of large irregularities that reduce the total contact area.

Attention! If dielectric grease gets into the space between the contacts of the battery with the wiring of the car, this will worsen the conductivity of the contact and, at high current, will lead to burnout, an even greater deterioration in conductivity, as well as the risk of melting the wire insulation and even fire due to high temperature.

Precautionary measures

As a rule, all technical lubricants are toxic to the human body to one degree or another. Therefore, work on their application must be carried out with gloves. If technical lubricants come into contact with the skin, immediately wash them off with warm water and soap.

Important! When applying a protective lubricant, make sure that it does not get on rubber tubes, gaskets and other surfaces that do not need such treatment. This is necessary in order to avoid the damaging effect of the components contained in lubricants on these materials.

As many motorists believe, modern batteries do not require lubrication of the terminals when replacing. they have modern down conductors. Is this so, we will consider in this article of the site "Batteries for Free".

Once in a car service, I drew attention to the position in the price list battery terminal lubrication and this alarmed me greatly, because even if lubrication is really necessary, the price for this procedure cannot be more than 50 rubles. And then I thought, do they need to be lubricated at all? Modern batteries are not made in the USSR.

Previously, in Soviet times, the connection between the terminals and the pole terminals of the battery was covered with grease, which was lithol or, at worst, grease. To understand this issue, I turned to the specialists of a well-known battery company for advice.

Why lubricate the terminals?

Each Soviet motorist, taking out a tube of lithol when replacing the battery, was sure that from the lubricant, the contact between the terminals and the battery would be even better, which would reduce losses and improve engine starting. But in theory, similar lubricants didn’t improve contact, on the contrary, they worsened it, creating additional resistance. Lubrication carried a less global mission than everyone thought. By applying lubricant to the battery terminals, you protect them from environmental influences and oxidation, which is a consequence of this impact. In addition to oxidizing the terminals due to oxygen, lithol also protected the terminals from oxidation caused by electrolyte ingress on them.

What threatens the oxidation of the terminals?

Oxidation of the battery terminals threatens to prevent the engine from starting. You get into the car, as usual, turn on the ignition, the paws light up, turn the key harder, and then you hear a click accompanied by fading bulbs instead of the cheerful buzzing of the starter. Common situation? Oxidation of the plates interferes with current conduction and therefore, under load, a voltage drop occurs. Also, the oxidation of the plates leads to increased current leakage, which results in battery discharges during long periods of inactivity.

What to do if the terminal is oxidized?

No lithol will help here. Greases cannot deal with oxidation, they can only prevent it. Therefore, it is necessary to clean the terminal mechanically (with a file or sandpaper) from oxide, fix it well on the battery terminal, and only then lubricate it.

How to lubricate the terminals?

To lubricate the terminals, battery experts recommend the use of greases, as they stick well and do not wash out over time. Sprays, in this respect, are much inferior to them, quickly washing out after rain. By the way, using Litol to lubricate the terminals is the last century. It is better to use modern analogues that have their own color and more elastic structure.

Outside or inside?

So many motorists confuse one important detail - they smear the terminal inside. Or having bought a battery, they are glad that the terminals are treated with grease. Read above, it interferes with conduction. Never do that. It is necessary to lubricate from the outside of the terminals.

Do modern terminals protect against oxidation?

No. They do not protect, although they contribute to less oxidation due to new technologies for the production of terminals and pole conclusions. Moreover, the engine compartment of modern cars is better protected from environmental influences.

The picture above shows 2 different types of grease. Type 1 - these are spray cleaners, like Hi-Gear, VD-40, etc. They are inferior to grease and are more suitable for cleaning the terminal from oxidation than for protecting it. The second type of lubrication is grease. They are thicker than the first type, have a color and are resistant to mechanical washing off.

Is it worth lubricating?

Although the effect of lubricating the terminals is too small, you should not neglect the lubrication of the battery terminals, because. in any case, there will be benefits, although not as global as Soviet motorists thought.