Battery Cleaner & Terminal Protection

Terminal Protection and Battery Cleaner Products - Resources & Information

Battery Cleaner and Terminal Protection products are important for boats and outboard motors because they help maintain the health and performance of the battery and electrical system. By removing corrosion and build-up of salt, boaters ensure that their battery system doesn’t lose charge or short out, causing damage and potentially dangerous situations out on the water.

PartsVu offers a complete selection of Battery Cleaner & Terminal Protection products from OEM manufacturers and trusted aftermarket suppliers. Whether you need an CRC battery cleaner, marine battery cable connectors, rotating battery terminal covers and more, PartsVu has what you need to get the job done. 

Need help servicing your boat and outboard engine? PartsVu regularly publishes helpful how-to guides and other valuable maintenance information to help boaters service their outboard engines, boats, trailers, and more. Browse the PartsVu Xchange, our outboard maintenance blog, for a wide range of relevant topics and review the FAQ section below, covering everything you need to know about maintaining your boat in confidence.

Battery Cleaner & Terminal ProtectionFAQ

Why are Battery Cleaner & Terminal Protection products so important for boats and outboard motors?

Some specific benefits of using Battery Cleaner and Terminal Protection  include:

• Cleaning and maintaining the battery: Battery cleaner products are designed to remove dirt, grime, and other contaminants from the surface of the battery, which can interfere with its performance. By keeping the battery clean, these products can help extend its lifespan and improve its performance. Terminal protection products, such as terminal spray or terminal grease, are used to protect the battery terminals from corrosion and other types of damage. This can help prevent electrical issues and ensure reliable starting and operation of the boat or outboard motor.
• Improving performance: A clean and well-maintained battery and electrical system can help improve the overall performance of the boat or outboard motor. By removing contaminants and protecting against corrosion, battery cleaner and terminal protection products can help ensure that the battery and electrical system are functioning at their best.
• Ease of use: These types of products are typically easy to apply and can be applied using simple tools, such as a brush or spray can. This makes them a convenient and user-friendly option for maintaining the battery and electrical system of a boat or outboard motor.

Overall, battery cleaner and terminal protection products are important products to have on hand for the maintenance and care of boats and outboard motors. They can help maintain the health and performance of the battery and electrical system, improving the overall performance and reliability of the vessel.

What is the best grease for battery terminals?

The best grease for battery terminals is a high-quality, corrosion-resistant grease specifically designed for use on battery terminals. Some common types of grease that are suitable for this purpose include lithium-based grease, silicone-based grease, and polyurea-based grease. These types of grease are able to withstand high temperatures and provide excellent protection against corrosion.

When selecting a grease for battery terminals, it's important to choose a product that is compatible with the materials used in the battery and the vehicle. It's also a good idea to choose a grease that has a high melting point and is resistant to water and other contaminants.

To apply the grease, simply clean the battery terminals and cables with a wire brush or sandpaper to remove any dirt or corrosion. Then, apply a thin layer of grease to the terminals and cables, making sure to cover all surface areas. Wipe off any excess grease to ensure that it doesn't cause any electrical issues or interfere with the battery's performance.

How to keep battery terminals from corroding?

Want to learn how to keep battery terminals from corroding or what to put on battery terminals to prevent corrosion. There are several steps you can take to prevent battery terminals from corroding:

1. Keep the battery clean and dry: Dirt and moisture can accelerate corrosion, so it's important to keep the battery clean and dry. Use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove any dirt or corrosion from the terminals, and make sure the battery is stored in a dry, ventilated area.
2. Use a high-quality, corrosion-resistant grease: Applying a thin layer of grease to the terminals can help protect them from corrosion. Look for a grease that is specifically designed for use on battery terminals and is compatible with the materials used in the battery and the vehicle. Once you learn how to grease battery terminals, you can extend the life and performance of your entire electrical system and electrical parts. 
3. Disconnect the battery when not in use: If you know the battery won't be used for an extended period of time (such as when storing a vehicle for the winter), disconnect the battery to prevent it from discharging and corroding the terminals.
4. Check the battery and terminals regularly: Regularly inspecting the battery and terminals can help you catch any issues early on and take steps to prevent further corrosion.
5. Use a battery terminal protector: Some battery terminal protectors are designed to provide a barrier between the battery and the terminal, helping to prevent corrosion. These products are easy to apply and can provide long-lasting protection. 

How to use battery terminal protector?

If you’re looking for how to apply battery terminal protector, you should know the process relatively simple. 

1. Start by cleaning the battery terminals and cables with a wire brush or sandpaper to remove any dirt or corrosion.
2. Dry the terminals and cables thoroughly.
3. Peel the backing off the battery terminal protector and place it over the terminal, making sure it covers the entire surface.
4. Press down firmly to ensure that the protector is securely in place.
5. Repeat the process on the other terminal.
6. Reattach the cables to the terminals. Make sure they are securely in place and tightened to the proper torque.

It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using a battery terminal protector, as the specific application process may vary depending on the product. Make sure to choose a battery terminal protector that is compatible with the materials used in the battery and the vehicle.

Is winterizing my outboard engine important?

Properly winterizing your outboard engine is the best way to prevent damage during the offseason from both lack of use and cold winter temperatures — depending on where you live. It also helps you with a smooth start to the beginning of next season.

There are seven basic steps to a proper winterization of your outboard engine:

• Thoroughly flush your engine with fresh water
• Stabilize the entire fuel system with fuel stabilizers
• Fog your engine
• Change the spark plugs
• Change the lower unit gear lube
• Disconnect your lead acid batteries
• Cover your engine with a fitted outboard cover
• Secure your outboard with a motor lock

With your engine properly winterized, there shouldn’t be any harmful debris or materials in the engine components that can cause damage over the off-season months. Plus, with new spark plugs, oil, and fluids, your outboard should start up right away when boating season starts in the spring or Summer.

For a more in-depth look at how to winterize your outboard engine, take a look at the following articles from the PartsVu Xchange. 

• Winterizing Mercury Outboard Motor—Mercury Marine Essential Maintenance
• Winterizing Outboard Motor—Yamaha Essential Maintenance
• Boat Winterization in South Texas?
• How to Winterize a MerCruiser Sterndrive

And of course, you can find all the winterization products you need at PartsVu.com to simplify the process!

How to disconnect the battery?

Disconnecting a marine battery is a relatively simple process:

1. Remove the negative terminal of the battery with a matching ratchet set, then remove the positive terminal in the same fashion.
2. Disconnect the battery cables.
3. Spray the battery terminals with terminal cleaner and gently scrape away any corrosion on the battery terminals with a wire brush.
4. Coat the battery terminals with vaseline or WD40 to protect against corrosion. Then secure the battery caps.
5. Store your battery in a dry place until next season.

How do I take care of my battery in cold weather? 

During the winter, keep your batteries charged, and the boat plugged in. We understand that many boats don’t have that many batteries, but battery issues can cut a day short or even prevent the day from happening. A bad battery can do more than just not work. It can cause all kinds of weird electrical issues, leaving you to believe “Gremlins” are living in your boat.

If you experience any electrical issues, first check your voltage and then be sure to run a “load test” before ruling out the battery being the cause. Ultimately, if both tests pass, you can assume Gremlins live in your boat.

To help prevent this, first, with lead acid batteries, keep the water level full. Some batteries require distilled water. Keep your batteries on a maintainer and/or charger to keep them warm and keep them from freezing, expanding, or whatever else can happen in those tiny power plants.