Abstract: A thin film or coating containing an oxide of silicon or aluminum or both is deposited over lead or lead alloy battery components that will be in contact with the acid electrolyte greatly reducing the corrosion of the lead components during battery use. In one embodiment, the coating of film may be applied using a colloid of silica or alumina in a binder such as room temperature vulcanized rubber. In another embodiment, the coating of film is deposited by a direct silane polymerization of an oxidized lead surface by silicic acid forming the film. The substantial reduction of component corrosion eliminates leaking around the terminals and thereby increases the service life of the lead acid battery.