For high-performance vehicles, copper grease offers superior heat resistance and conductivity. How often should I apply grease to my battery terminals? Why not take a look at our article about the ‘ Facts & Myths of Electrical Connector Lubricants‘…some interesting stuff on there! Such as:

If you have bare wires that are exposed in your vehicle or on electronics, it is best to try and insulate them from liquid, dirt, and debris some other way. Keeping the grease confined to the space on the wire you want to protect is difficult, especially if there is any movement involved. Any Electrical Current Path Conductive grease has many uses across many trades. Some of the common applications include: 1. Improve electrical connection in a panel Dielectric grease, also referred to as tune-up grease, is a silicon-based lubricant that helps repel moisture and provide corrosion protection to parts and electrical connections on and in your vehicle. It has many uses both in the auto shop and at home, including:We have a blatant contradiction once more. People who claim anti-seize protects a spark plug from the cylinder head are labeled as liars by others who claim conductive grease improves a battery terminal connection, or vice versa. When two groups make claims that are diametrically opposed, at least one of them is incorrect. Both are incorrect in this scenario. Neither group seems to grasp the concepts of resistance, current, or voltage. Regular application of grease can significantly extend the lifespan of your car’s battery. By preventing corrosion and ensuring good conductivity, grease reduces the strain on the battery, allowing it to perform efficiently for longer periods. When polydimethylsiloxane and amorphous fumed silica are mixed, the two create a non-conductive lubricant that can be spread on automotive parts and will protect those parts from exposure while creating a waterproof barrier.

Most mechanics will recommend vaseline as a battery terminal grease but it does not work well in high temperatures. Vaseline and any other petroleum-based grease will break down under high temperatures in the engine bay or in the summer heat. Myth: Grease Causes Electrical Problems: Fact: When applied correctly, grease does not impede electrical conductivity. In fact, it helps maintain it by preventing corrosion. Applying grease to battery terminals is a straightforward process, but it requires careful attention to safety and detail. The primary benefit of applying grease is its ability to prevent corrosion. Corrosion can occur due to a reaction between the battery terminals and the acidic fumes released by the battery.

Why Use Henkel Thermally Conductive Grease?

Our greases are the ideal option for easily compensating for voids within assemblies. This makes them a perfect solution for use in devices that have issues with flatness or coplanarity. For complex electronic connectors with dozens or even hundreds of pins, or for automotive connectors that are in hard-to-reach places, a low insertion force makes assembly more efficient and ensures solid connections. For gold-plated connectors an effective lubricant reduces the potential for noble metal wear/damage during mating and separation.

By keeping the terminals clean and free from corrosion, grease ensures that there is optimal electrical flow. This results in better performance of the vehicle’s electrical components and a more reliable start-up. Longer Battery Life While dielectric grease is immensely beneficial when used in the right way, it can also lead to issues when misapplied. Because the grease is non-conductive, you must be careful where you put it. When the electrical connection of a circuit breaker in the panel becomes weak and does not improve with tightening the screw, it means you need to replace the bus bar or wire terminal.

Thermally Conductive Grease FAQs 

Choosing the right grease depends on factors like the type of vehicle, the environmental conditions (temperature and humidity), and the specific needs of your battery and electrical system. It is not, however, a traditional lubricant. You cannot use it to grease bearings, joints, hinges, or other moving parts. For jobs like that, you need to get lubricating grease. Where to Apply Dielectric Grease? Using an inappropriate grease can lead to inadequate protection, resulting in accelerated corrosion and potential electrical issues. For example, grease that cannot withstand high temperatures may melt away, leaving the terminals exposed. It’s crucial to select a grease suitable for your vehicle’s operating conditions. Is it safe to apply grease to battery terminals myself? What I have found to work even better is to apply conductive grease on an electrical connection, wipe off excess grease, and seal the connection with a generous amount of dielectric grease. This keeps the conductive grease from flowing to unintended areas. Be careful to stay away from the connection points or pins. If you do get close, take measures to make sure you do not push the grease into the connection points when you complete the connection. A good rule of thumb is to give yourself a minimum of a quarter-inch buffer between any connection points and the grease application. Bare Wires