can you use garage door lube for car battery terminal

[MacLucia]

No, you should not use garage door lubricant on car battery terminals. While it might seem like a quick fix, these lubricants are typically petroleum-based and can actually damage the battery terminals and cables. Petroleum products can react with the lead and sulfuric acid residues, leading to increased corrosion over time. The correct product to use is a dedicated dielectric grease or battery terminal protector spray, which is specifically formulated to be non-conductive and prevent corrosion without harming the components.

Using the wrong lubricant can create a layer of insulation between the terminal and the cable clamp, leading to poor electrical connection. This can cause starting problems, erratic electrical behavior, and even drain your battery. The primary purpose of a battery terminal protectant is to seal out moisture and oxygen, which are the main culprits of corrosion. Garage door lubricant is designed to reduce friction in mechanical parts, not to create an airtight, non-conductive seal on electrical contacts.

For optimal performance and safety, always use products designed for the specific automotive application. Here’s a quick comparison of the key differences:

Characteristic	Garage Door Lubricant	Dielectric Grease (Correct Choice)
Base Material	Petroleum-based or silicone with additives	Silicone-based
Electrical Conductivity	Varies; can be conductive or semi-conductive	Non-conductive
Primary Function	Reduces friction on moving parts	Prevents corrosion on electrical connections
Effect on Connection	Can insulate and hinder electrical flow	Seals out moisture without interfering with current
Chemical Resistance	May break down from battery acid exposure	Resistant to acids, ozone, and extreme temperatures

To properly maintain your battery terminals, first clean them with a mixture of baking soda and water and a wire brush to remove any existing corrosion. After the terminals are clean, dry, and tightly reconnected, apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the entire terminal connection to prevent future issues.

[VonKate]

Absolutely not. I learned this the hard way. I used a white lithium grease from my garage on my truck's battery posts. A few months later, I had a no-start situation. The mechanic showed me how the grease had turned into a gummy, almost insulating barrier. It trapped moisture against the metal, making the corrosion worse than if I'd done nothing. Now I only use the little packets of red dielectric grease from the auto parts store. It's a few bucks for peace of mind.