How to deal with alkaline powder on the negative terminal of a car battery?

[JudeFitz]

If there is a lot of white powdery substance around the negative terminal of the battery, it indicates oxidation. Although it does not affect ignition, it can damage the battery over time. (Avoid using water; instead, use a non-conductive material.) After cleaning off the powder, apply grease and add a rubber cover. More relevant information is as follows: 1. Poor sealing of the battery negative terminal: The white powder on the negative terminal of a car battery, commonly known as efflorescence, is caused by poor sealing of the negative terminal, leading to leakage. Once the battery leaks, the situation will worsen, and its performance will decline. The leaked fluid can corrode the battery terminals, causing poor contact in newly installed batteries later on. Generally, replacing the battery might be a good option. 2. Car battery maintenance: Regularly clean dust, oil stains, white powder, and other contaminants that may cause leakage from the panel and terminals (i.e., the positive and negative poles). By frequently cleaning the battery, the terminals will not accumulate white acidic corrosion powder, and the battery's lifespan will be extended.