Have you ever popped the hood of your car to find a corroded battery with mysteriously missing fluid? This rapid decline isn’t normal battery wear and tear; it’s a condition known as hyper corrosion. Let’s delve into what causes this and how to identify it.
A healthy car battery has fluid-filled cells, and during a routine inspection, an auto mechanic would expect to see consistent fluid levels across all cells. However, with hyper corrosion, the fluid level in one particular cell, typically next to the positive terminal, will be significantly lower.
Additionally, the positive terminal itself will exhibit severe corrosion.
This phenomenon is caused by a failing component within the battery called a bushing. This bushing acts as a seal, preventing hydrogen gas from escaping the area between the terminal and the battery case. In a properly functioning battery, this gas vents away from the terminals. But when the bushing fails, the hydrogen gas escapes directly at the positive terminal.
The escaping gas has a dual effect. First, it accelerates the evaporation of the electrolyte solution within the affected cell, leading to the rapid fluid loss. Second, the chemical reaction between the escaping gas and the terminal material causes the severe corrosion.
Unfortunately, there’s no magic bullet to prevent hyper corrosion once the bushing fails. While some auto mechanics might recommend anti-corrosion washers and grease on the terminals for general corrosion protection, these measures won’t be effective in this specific scenario.
The recommended course of action is to replace the battery. Continued use of a hyper-corroded battery can lead to serious electrical problems and hinder your car’s performance. If you suspect hyper corrosion, consult an auto mechanic to have your battery inspected and replaced if necessary. Early detection and replacement can prevent further damage to your vehicle’s electrical system.
Remember, routine maintenance checks by a qualified auto mechanic can help identify hyper corrosion early on, saving you from potential headaches down the road.
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