"Steve" > wrote in message news:L_2dnTtSz4U9-
>
> My experience is that terminal corrosion is 100% a function of how tightly
> the battery case is sealed. Neither top nor side posts will corrode with a
> sealed battery like an Optima. Yes, I HAVE removed Optima top-post clamps
> after 5-6 years and found shiny metal under the clamp. Both types will
> also corrode (and BADLY) with any battery that has a poor vapor seal
> around the terminal itself. I've seen plenty of side-post batteries with
> the threaded bolt eaten away to nothing.


True enough, but few of us opt for Optima.

Side post and top post can both corrode severely. It is really not much of
a
task to take the darn things off, check their condition, and clean and
grease them
if need be..