Pros And Cons Of Using Dielectric Grease On Battery Terminals
Although you can use the
dielectric grease battery terminal, your engine does not really need this product to operate effectively.
Indeed, it can bring you some benefits, but there are some undesired problems.
It is because the battery creates a high-current flow, while experts recommend using dielectric grease with a low-current flow. This can be one of the causes that
ruin the battery besides a bad alternator.
Thus, this section will list the pros and cons of dielectric grease for battery terminals. Then, you can consider them to make your decision.
Pros:
- Prevent dust, dirt, or foreign objects from entering the connections.
- Protect the connections from corrosion.
- Extend the life and quality of the battery and some car’s components.
Cons:
Where Can We Put Dielectric Grease On Battery Terminals?
As mentioned before, this is not a must item, but you need to apply it correctly to maximize its benefits. Thus, you need to remember some notes:
- If you need to apply dielectric grease to battery terminals, try not to overdo it. Applying too much can block the current flow. When you employ a sufficient amount, all the excess grease will come out when bolted and leave just enough volume to fill in the existing gaps without impairing the contact between electrical connectors.
- It will effectively keep any air or moisture from getting to the connectors. However, using other options will be safer and preferable. We will mention it later.
Thus,
how to use dielectric grease on battery terminals? You might follow these steps to ensure the benefits and reduce risks:
- Of course, the first step is to prepare the necessary tools and enough dielectric grease.
- Next, before greasing, experts always advise you to clean all the connections, regardless of whether your terminals are rusted or not. Do not forget to make sure the connections are dry.
- Apply a thin layer of grease to the terminals after cleaning them.
- In this step, you need to clamp the terminal and fasten them together with a bolt. This way, it can let the grease excess run out. Clean it, and you can have a strong and excellent connection.
Bonus Tips: What Can We Use Instead Of Dielectric Grease?
Dielectric grease’s property isn’t a conductor of electricity.
That’s why the previous section said that it wouldn’t assist you in boosting your power flow. Instead, the grease protects the electric connections by avoiding corrosion.
If you want to enhance the output of your battery terminals, you won’t need it. You can use other products in its place. Here are some of the options we think you’ll like.
Anti-Corrosion Spray
As its name implies, anti-corrosion spray like WD-40 protects your metal’s surface from rust-causing contaminants. Water, oxygen, and other substances that cause rust can be all inhibited by this layer.
For corrosion prevention, the anti-corrosive spray outperforms dielectric grease. It is because this product can reach the small places where your fingertips can’t.
Dielectric grease can be used between wires, but only for low-current connections. Again, this is due to the high voltage rating of the battery connectors.
Honestly, the property of an anti-corrosive spray isn’t an electrical conductor. Yet, it’s still an ideal safeguard because it won’t obstruct the output of your battery connections.
Lithium Grease
Lithium grease is another
anti corrosion grease for battery terminals that may be used as a substitute. It is considered a white and all-purpose lubricant that may work wonders for various applications.
You can buy this product at auto shops, which is a perfect suggestion because it does not harm the connection.
In detail, we can use this product to lubricate metal-metal or metal-plastic contacts. It will aid in reducing friction to create the smooth movement of components. Moreover, this item acts as a rust preventative.
In addition, lithium can work to prevent future corrosion by displacing air and moisture from the surrounding area. As a result, it provides protection against such issues.
Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly (also known as petrolatum) is a semisolid jelly-like material. It is made chiefly of waxes and mineral oils. Since Robert Augustus Chesebrough found it in 1859, this product hasn’t altered much.
Due to its
benefits and various applications, it is a common product in every household. For example, Vaseline is one of the most well-known petroleum jelly products.
An application of petroleum jelly is to apply to the battery terminals when reattaching the cables.
You can accomplish this by rubbing a small quantity into the terminals before attaching the cables. After cleaning and letting the terminal dry, you may apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to them.
A modest quantity would be sufficient to provide the correct lubrication, avoiding corrosion and assisting in the connection’s strengthening.