Grease on Battery Terminals Causes Problems?
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Grease on Battery Terminals Causes Problems?
For years I have used the dielectric silicone grease (and the felt washers) on the battery terminals of my cars to prevent corrosion. I prefer the grease over the paint-like sprays because it won't crack or flake, and is easily reapplied if I remove a cable.
Recently I read a comment not to use grease this way, as it can cause problems getting a good electrical contact.
Anyone have problems using grease this way?
Recently I read a comment not to use grease this way, as it can cause problems getting a good electrical contact.
Anyone have problems using grease this way?
Drifting
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 1,417
Likes: 162
From: Des Moines, Iowa, USA Iowa
I have used grease lightly applied to battery terminals for many years on many cars and have had zero problems, and I am convinced this helps avoid any build up of corrosion debris at the connections 
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,066
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From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
The reason it can cause problems is:
Dielectric grease is a thick, nonconductive, water-resistant compound that protects electrical components and connections. It also lubricates mated connections, such as spark plugs and the rubber boots that fit over them.
Read more: What Is Dielectric Grease Used For? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_7709251_dielectric-grease-used.html#ixzz1c8jgKl6x
Using it between the clamps and the battery posts can reduce or stop current flow just the same as corrosion does. You want a conductive grease not a dielectric grease.
It works in electrical connectors because it gets displaced from the connector pins as they wipe across each other when being connected. The grease then keeps stuff out of the connector and inhibits corrosion.
Bill
Dielectric grease is a thick, nonconductive, water-resistant compound that protects electrical components and connections. It also lubricates mated connections, such as spark plugs and the rubber boots that fit over them.
Read more: What Is Dielectric Grease Used For? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_7709251_dielectric-grease-used.html#ixzz1c8jgKl6x
Using it between the clamps and the battery posts can reduce or stop current flow just the same as corrosion does. You want a conductive grease not a dielectric grease.
It works in electrical connectors because it gets displaced from the connector pins as they wipe across each other when being connected. The grease then keeps stuff out of the connector and inhibits corrosion.
Bill
Last edited by Bill Dearborn; Oct 29, 2011 at 12:06 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,051
Likes: 8
From: Clearwater Florida
The reason it can cause problems is:
Dielectric grease is a thick, nonconductive, water-resistant compound that protects electrical components and connections. It also lubricates mated connections, such as spark plugs and the rubber boots that fit over them.
Read more: What Is Dielectric Grease Used For? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_7709251_dielectric-grease-used.html#ixzz1c8jgKl6x
Using it between the clamps and the battery posts can reduce or stop current flow just the same as corrosion does. You want a conductive grease not a dielectric grease.
It works in electrical connectors because it gets displaced from the connector pins as they wipe across each other when being connected. The grease then keeps stuff out of the connector and inhibits corrosion.
Bill
Dielectric grease is a thick, nonconductive, water-resistant compound that protects electrical components and connections. It also lubricates mated connections, such as spark plugs and the rubber boots that fit over them.
Read more: What Is Dielectric Grease Used For? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_7709251_dielectric-grease-used.html#ixzz1c8jgKl6x
Using it between the clamps and the battery posts can reduce or stop current flow just the same as corrosion does. You want a conductive grease not a dielectric grease.
It works in electrical connectors because it gets displaced from the connector pins as they wipe across each other when being connected. The grease then keeps stuff out of the connector and inhibits corrosion.
Bill
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