Most car owners tend not to apply anything to their vehicle’s battery terminals to protect them. This is okay when everything is working as it should do.
But corrosion is a huge issue for your car’s battery terminals. Once the terminals become corroded, the amount of energy passed from the battery to your car’s starter motor and engine gets significantly reduced.
However, if you want to prevent such from occurring, then the application of dielectric grease on battery terminals is recommended.
Should You Put Dielectric Grease On Battery Terminals?
Although it isn’t necessary, applying dielectric grease on battery terminals is a good idea to help prevent them from becoming corroded. Not only will this help to lengthen the battery’s lifespan, but it also saves you money.
Along with helping to prevent the terminals from rusting, there is another good reason for applying grease. If you live in a cold, humid climate, moisture will eventually cause the terminals to oxidize.
See Permatex 22058, Mission Automotive here:
Permatex 22058
Mission Automotive
Benefits Of Using Dielectric Grease
- This grease helps prevent moisture from coming into contact with the terminals; it also helps to keep oxygen away. This, in turn, helps to slow down the chemical process that results in corrosion occurring.
- Secondly, as it is non-conductive, it can also prevent any voltage leakage between the terminals and connectors.
Application Of Dielectric Grease
As well as being able to use dielectric grease to provide protection against rust on battery terminals.
You are also able to use it to protect from corrosion to the ends of bulbs in your car as well as to spark plugs.
Buy Super Lube here:
Super Lube
Why Should You Use Dielectric Grease Instead Of Vaseline Or Petroleum Jelly?
Dielectric silicon-based grease is excellent to use as it will not run once it becomes hot.
As soon as it comes in contact with a heat source, it begins to vulcanize. In layman’s terms, it will become solid rather than staying in liquid form.
This property makes it better suited to use for applying to battery terminals instead of vaseline or petroleum jelly.
As we’ve already mentioned, there is one reason why using dielectric grease on battery terminals is a good idea. But there are several other reasons to use it instead of vaseline, for example.
- Dielectric grease has a much higher melting point compared to vaseline.
- This grease has a much higher preservation strength.
- Vaseline is conductive, whereas dielectric grease isn’t.
- Vaseline costs less than dielectric grease, but it may not offer the best protection for the terminals on your car’s battery.
Our Recommendations
When it comes to dielectric grease, there are many brands available. It is worth spending a little extra on such than just using vaseline or petroleum jelly.
Not only does it offer better results, but it will reduce the risk of unwanted problems arising in the future.
Below we look at three brands of dielectric grease worth considering buying to protect your car’s battery terminals.
 Permatex 22058 |  Mission Automotive |  Super Lube |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Customer Rating |  | | |
| Price |  | | |
| Type | Silicon | Silicon | Silicon |
| Supported devices | Marine and automotive electrical connections, spark plug boots, trailer hitches, battery terminals, modern high energy ignition systems | Spark plugs, lubricating brake caliper pins, lubricating and preserving rubber gaskets, O-rings, hoses, weatherstripping, fixing sluggish car windows, marine applications. | Electrical and vacuum applications, spark plug, battery terminals. |
| Weight | 3 oz | 8.8 oz | 3.5 oz |
| Score | 9 | 9 | 8.5 |
Permeated 22058
Tune-Up Grease Permeated 22058 is suitable for use on all kinds of vehicles, from cars to scooters, motorcycles, snowmobiles, UTVs, and marine craft. Also should be used on all vehicles with high-energy ignition systems.
Not only does it protect electrical connections from dirt, salt, and corrosion. It also prevents voltage leakage around electrical connections.
Mission Automotive
This can be used on various vehicles, including boats, and is compatible with a wide range of materials, including metal, plastic, and rubber.
It comes with a brush, so applying it to your car’s battery terminals is easy.
Like other silicone dielectric greases, Mission Automotive helps to prevent corrosion. It also has a very stable consistency at -55 to 570 degrees Fahrenheit.
Super Lube
Perfect for using on your truck or car’s battery terminals. Super Lube dielectric grease seals protect the terminals, insulate them and their connectors.
It is entirely waterproof, providing a solid barrier against moisture coming into contact vehicle battery terminals.
How To Use Dielectric Grease On Battery Terminals?
As this grease is non-conductive, you must use it correctly. Here are some tips to help you apply dielectric grease to your vehicle’s battery terminals.
- You should thoroughly clean both the terminals and clamps, and you need to make sure there is a solid connection between them.
- Only a thin layer of grease should be applied to the terminals, but not inside them.
- Now put the clamp over the terminal and bolt the two tightly together.
Conclusion
We are confident that you can now see why using dielectric grease on battery terminals to prevent corrosion is a good idea.
Applying such will not only reduce the risk of corrosion but also increase the lifespan of your vehicle’s battery.
See Permatex 22058, Super Lube here:
Permatex 22058
Super Lube
FAQs
Will Using Vaseline On Battery Car Terminals Help Prevent Corrosion?
Yes, you can use vaseline to help prevent corrosion to your car’s battery terminals. But it is best not to as it turns to liquid when it becomes hot.
Can I Put Petroleum Jelly On My Car Battery Terminals To Prevent Corrosion?
Yes, it is okay to put petroleum jelly on a car’s battery terminals. But just make sure that you remove all corrosion from them before applying them.
Does Using Dielectric Grease Cause Poor Connection?
When used correctly, applying this grease to a car battery’s terminals will not lead to poor connections occurring.
Can You Use Too Much Dielectric Grease?
It would be best if you used this grease sparingly. If you apply too much, it will cause problems.
