Sep 07, 2021 Pageview:1106
You may be planning to buy a new battery car or already have purchased one. Perhaps, one myth surrounding cars might bother you, like “can your car battery explode due to temperature and safety issues”. According to the industry experts, certain conditions might cause lead acid batteries to explode. This is no myth but a harsh reality. But you need to understand that any car battery is unlikely to explode on its own. Rather, a series of events is said to trigger such explosions. You need to do some research and find out the exact causes for car batteries to explode and ways to prevent them.
Can a car battery explode if overcharged?
Several variables are likely to be involved concerning overcharging the car battery. It is easy to check the results. Overcharging the battery might cause it to die, considered to be a safe side-effect. Overcharging might also boil distilled water mix and sulfuric acid present in the battery. Casing gets extremely hot and starts to swell or melt, thus resulting in flammable hydrogen buildup within the sealed cells. Hence, the casing swells under extreme pressure while causing seepage via small vents. It can become a time bomb if oxygen gets introduced with hydrogen. A tiny electrical spark is good enough to ignite the gas, thereby resulting in battery explosion.
You need to know the causes to prevent such hazardous conditions from taking place. Modern cars are fitted with an alternator having internal voltage regulator. Its function is to supply the battery with controlled electrical charge while vehicle is moving. In case, voltage regulator fails, there occurs uncontrolled electrical charge in the battery, thereby overcharging the battery while the car moves. Human error may also result in overcharging the battery. High amp settings or Incorrect volts may overheat the battery. It may also charge to quickly, thereby becoming ineffectual for desired purpose. Another common human error is leaving the charger unattended for a long time.
Can a car battery explode in heat?
Extreme summer heat might create trouble for your car. You should know how heat might impact negatively your car’s battery. Only then can you protect the vehicle’s important parts and ensure no unwanted mishap takes place. It is quite natural for your car’s battery to get ‘parched’ during extreme summer conditions. Its vital liquids are prone to evaporate due to high temperatures, thereby weakening its charges. Besides this, hot temperatures are found to quicken the corrosion process. This will only result in irreversible damage to the battery’s internal structure. Situation can become worse in the ‘parched’ battery.
It is necessary to understand that most batteries available in the market come sealed, thereby not requiring any kind of maintenance. But some are designed with a water or window level indicator. This is to allow you to have a better view if there is low or sufficient water level. Heat-weakened battery will only find it tough to start quickly during winter season. Cold is said to destroy car batteries. However, the destruction rate is only much faster with extreme heat.
There are some places that are prone to experiencing intense swings. Hence, you need to watch out for those signs that indicate failing battery. Knowing some symptoms will help you take immediate remedy, thereby preventing disaster from occurring. A few signs are considered to be pretty obvious. Some will need proper test or visual battery inspection. Some of the common symptoms noticed are:
Slower cranking of the engine than normal on starting the car.
Check if battery light or engine light on dashboard is illuminated or not.
Battery case appears bloated or swollen.
Battery fluid level might appear low.
Battery has already completed three years of service.
You experience dim interior lights or headlights.
Battery posts are corroded at places where cables connect.
If you come across such symptoms, the best tip will be to replace the damaged or worn out one with a new one. To confirm requiring replacement, first get the battery tested by an expert. They will specify the present condition of your car’s battery and also state how much longer it can serve without any hiccup. When convenient, do take proper care of the battery to ensure not getting stranded in the middle of a vast empty space.
With some tips from the industry experts, you can ensure your car battery is in good condition and canspecial heat.
Double check if exterior and interior lights are turned off as you leaves your vehicle.
Try to reduce short car trips. This is because short stop-&-go trips do not allow time to the battery to get fully charged. On the other hand, it will only become weaker quickly.
Clean occasionally your battery posts and battery. Dirt only acts as a conductor, thereby draining battery power.
Higher temperatures is likely to increase battery self-discharge. This only means that the battery requires frequent charge especially if you do not drive the vehicle quite often.
Try to park your vehicle in the garage or shade. This will ensure that the battery is kept away from direct sunlight and protected.
Avoid using electronics such as radio if engine is shut.
Most under-the-hood mounted batteries are likely to be designed with a heat barrier. This is to help the battery to avoid taking in excessive heat. Ensure that the barrier is in proper place.
Can a car battery explode if frozen?
Cold temperatures are likely to reduce car battery voltage. Moreover, an age battery will make you immobile, especially when you need your vehicle the most. If trying to revive the dead battery, you should undertake adequate precaution. This is more so if it is excessively cold outside or you have not taken out your vehicle for quite some time. Your car’s battery could possibly have frozen. Hence, jumpstarting such batteries can prove to be disastrous. In case you find ice inside, then avoid jumpstarting your vehicle. Chances of the battery to explode become high in such critical conditions, especially when trying to fix it.
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