Do car battery terminals need to be covered?

Many car owners wonder if they need to cover their car battery terminals or not. The battery terminals are the metal posts on the top of the battery that connect the battery to the electrical system of the vehicle. Some people believe that covering the terminals can help protect the battery, while others feel that it is unnecessary. In this article, we will look at the pros and cons of covering battery terminals and help you decide if you need to cover yours or not.

Do You Need to Cover Car Battery Terminals?

There is no definitive yes or no answer to this question. Covering car battery terminals can provide some benefits in certain situations, but may also be unnecessary in others. Here are some things to consider:

Pros of Covering the Terminals

– Prevents Corrosion – Exposed battery terminals can corrode over time from environmental factors like moisture, dirt, battery acid, etc. Covering them helps protect them from these elements.

– Avoids Accidental Sparks/Shocks – Exposed terminals could potentially cause sparks or shocks if metal tools were to come into contact with both terminals at the same time. Covers prevent this accidental contact.

– Keeps Terminals Clean – Covers keep dirt, grease and other contaminants from building up on the terminals. This helps maintain good electrical contact.

– Deterrent for Tampering – The covers make it more difficult for people to tamper with the battery, such as attempting to jump start another vehicle with your battery.

– Professional/Finished Look – Some feel battery covers give the engine bay a more finished, professional look compared to exposed terminals.

Cons of Covering the Terminals

– Not Always Necessary – On modern vehicles, the battery is often located in a protective tray and uses side terminal designs that already limit exposure and electrical shorts. Covers would be redundant.

– Could Cause Corrosion – If moisture gets trapped between the cover and terminal, this could actually cause corrosion that wouldn’t otherwise occur with uncovered terminals.

– Have to Remove to Service Battery – The covers need to be removed to access the terminals when servicing or replacing the battery. Some find this inconvenient compared to uncovered posts.

– Added Cost – Covers are an added cost, even if inexpensive, and are not standard equipment on most vehicles.

– Can Loosen Over Time – Rubber or plastic covers can vibrate loose over time and fall off due to engine vibration and temperature fluctuations.

So as you can see, there are good arguments on both sides. Whether or not you need covers depends a lot on your specific vehicle, battery location, local climate, driving habits and personal preference.

When Are Covers Recommended?

Here are some situations where using battery terminal covers is typically recommended:

• On classic cars or hot rods with exposed top-terminal batteries.
• For batteries in open trays exposed to the elements.
• In wet, damp or coastal climates where corrosion is more likely.
• For stored vehicles or seasonal vehicles not driven regularly.
• When working with metal tools near the battery to avoid sparks or shocks.
• If children or pets may be around the battery unsupervised.
• For side-terminal batteries that still have some top exposure.
• For batteries that show signs of corrosion or have contaminated terminals.
• If you frequently disconnect and reconnect battery cables.

In these situations, the pros of using covers likely outweigh the cons for most vehicle owners. The minimal investment can save you more costly problems down the road.

When May Covers Not Be Necessary?

Here are some cases where battery terminal covers are generally not required:

• Modern vehicles with batteries in enclosed trays or with side terminal designs.
• New replacement batteries with clean terminals.
• Vehicles stored indoors in dry, stable conditions.
• Climates with little rain, moisture, dust or airborne contaminants.
• Show cars where appearance matters more than function.
• Cars you plan to keep original with no accessories added.
• Daily drivers used frequently that don’t sit for prolonged periods.
• Battery locations that are very difficult to access or cover.

For many late model cars under normal circumstances, the cost and hassle of covers outweighs the benefits. Vehicle manufacturers take steps to protect the battery terminals, so additional covers become unnecessary in low-risk conditions.

How to Install and Remove Battery Terminal Covers

If you do choose to use battery covers, here are some tips for installing and removing them:

Choosing Covers

– Pick plastic or rubber covers designed specifically for battery terminals.

– Match the terminal size – top post, side terminal, etc.

– Check polarity/positive & negative markings.

– Select a bright color for high visibility.

Installing Covers

– Clean terminals thoroughly with a wire brush before installing.

– Apply a corrosion preventative spray or grease.

– Snap covers down firmly until fully seated on the terminals.

– Check that covers are centered and make full contact.

Removing Covers

– Pry underneath or pull directly up to remove. Don’t pull on wires.

– Take care not to break plastic tabs or damage rubber.

– Clean any grease/corrosion from terminals and brush lightly.

– Check for cracks, damage or loose connections before reinstalling.

Maintenance

– When servicing battery, remove covers and clean terminals.

– Replace damaged or corroded covers. Tighten loose ones.

– If covers keep falling off, try a different style or brand.

Signs Your Battery Terminals Need Servicing

If you notice any of the following, it’s a sign your battery terminals are corroded or contaminated and need cleaning and possibly covers:

• White, green or blue corrosion around terminals.
• Difficulty removing cables from terminals.
• Wires or cables are stuck, stiff or difficult to move.
• Oily black grime buildup on terminals or wires.
• Cracked, damaged or leaky battery case.
• Frayed battery cables exposing copper wire.
• Sulfuric acid smell from vents (overcharged battery).

These symptoms indicate loss of electrical contact that can gradually drain your battery, cause hard starting or leave you stranded with a dead battery. Prompt battery terminal cleaning and servicing can help improve connections.

Cleaning Corroded Battery Terminals

If your battery terminals are showing signs of corrosion, here is how to safely clean them:

Supplies Needed

– Safety goggles, gloves &mask

– Baking soda and water mix

– Wire brush, sandpaper or emery cloth

– Corrosion prevention spray

– Wet rag & dry towel

Cleaning Steps

1. Disconnect negative cable first, then positive cable.

2. Mix baking soda and hot water into a paste.

3. Use a wire brush or sandpaper to loosen corrosion.

4. Apply baking soda paste to terminals.

5. Allow paste to sit for 5 minutes, then scrub with brush.

6. Rinse terminals thoroughly with clean water.

7. Dry terminals completely with a towel.

8. Apply corrosion prevention spray to protect terminals.

9. Reconnect positive cable first, then negative cable.

10. Start engine and check for leaks or issues.

Safety Tips

– Avoid touching both terminals to prevent sparks/shock.

– Do not allow baking soda paste into battery vents.

– Wear eye protection – battery acid can splash.

– Never lean over battery while cleaning.

– Rinse any skin or clothing the paste contacts.

How to Prevent Future Battery Corrosion

To help minimize battery terminal corrosion after cleaning, you can:

• Use battery terminal covers to protect from exposure.
• Apply dielectric grease or Vaseline to terminals and cable ends.
• Clean chassis and mounting tray to prevent current leakage.
• Check condition of battery cables and replace if needed.
• Have charging system inspected to confirm proper voltage output.
• Keep batteries properly charged and maintained.
• Store vehicle out of extreme weather and fluctuations.
• Wash under hood periodically to remove grime and dirt.

The keys are limiting exposure, keeping connections clean, maintaining battery charge, and addressing any electrical issues promptly. A well-cared for battery and charging system will be much less prone to terminal corrosion.

FAQs About Car Battery Terminal Covers

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about covering car battery terminals:

Are battery terminal covers necessary?

Not always. Covers are beneficial in certain conditions but often unnecessary in modern vehicles. Assess your specific battery location, climate and risk factors.

What are battery terminal covers made of?

Most are plastic (PVC) or rubber and snap or slip over the top posts. Some slide onto side terminals. Avoid metal covers that could short the terminals.

Where can I buy battery terminal covers?

Auto parts stores, battery retailers, auto accessory stores and online retailers like Amazon all sell terminal covers in various configurations.

Can I make DIY battery covers?

You can fashion simple covers from plastic bottles, spray foam, tape or rubber – but purchased covers designed for automotive use will last longer.

Will covers drain my battery?

No – terminal covers simply shield the posts and have no impact on electrical loads or drainage. However, loose connections due to dirt or corrosion can drain a battery over time if not corrected.

Can too much corrosion keep covers from fitting?

Yes, if corrosion buildup is excessive it can prevent covers from seating properly on the terminals. The posts need to be cleaned down to bare metal for secure connections.

How often should I remove covers and clean terminals?

Annually is a good rule of thumb for preventative terminal cleaning and cover removal – or any time you see signs of corrosion forming.

Conclusion

While not essential in every case, battery terminal covers provide inexpensive protection for at-risk batteries exposed to weather and contaminants. They help reduce corrosion problems that can leave you stranded or require costly repairs. Assess your particular vehicle and conditions to decide if covers offer worthwhile benefits. Keep terminals corrosion-free and connections tight for optimal battery life with or without protective covers.