Battery Smoking: Introduction and Smells

Sometimes there are scenes in movies where the main characters’ car breaks down and start giving out smoke from its machine. Such a scene is no exaggeration, as it can actually happen in real life, especially to the car’s battery. 

Battery Smoking in Car

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Battery smoking happens when the acid and water we’ve poured inside the battery started to evaporate. The evaporation can lead to the disturbance of the mixture, and this can result in overheating (or even boiling of the car). When such an occasion happens, it will result in an unpleasant odor; the disturbance can also lead to the batter smoking in car.

When the battery has smokes, it’s best to stop the car and discharge the battery right away. Then, find out what causes the battery’s smokes and the signs of the problem.

Here are the common causes of battery smoking in car:

1. Overheating

Typically, overheating is the main cause of battery smoking in cars. Many have reported that cases of their batteries exploding during summer. The timing is no mere coincidence, as summer is the season where the sun is at its peak, raising the temperature of the region. 

To counter overheating, you can purchase batteries that are meant for the hot season. There are batteries with double casing or specifically designed so the electrolyte won’t leak outside. You can also install insulators surrounding the battery so you can keep the heat at bay. 

2. Faulty Alternator

Alternators have been designed in such a way that we don’t need to use them when we are not using the car. So no movement from cars, no alternators active.

However, alternators are not flawless, and they are bound to break down one day. When they break down, alternators can run even when the car is not active, leading to overcharging. So when the batter is smoking in car, there is a chance that a faulty alternator is one of the causes.

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The best way to prevent faulty alternators is by regularly measuring the volt. Alternators should have around 13.7 to 14.7 volts. Beyond or below that, then there is a chance that the alternator is in a state it’s not supposed to be in. If this happens, it’s best to call professional assistance to have the alternator fixed right away.

3. Internal Shorting

Internal shorting can happen due to the smallest mistake. It can be due to loose wire, or the screws are not tight enough. Misplaced components can result in a fatal result that risk the battery and even the entire battery.

If the battery smoking in car happens, there is a big chance that the positive plate is misplaced and comes in contact with the negative plate. Thus, it’s best to check the source of the smoke first to see whether the battery is beyond repair, can be solved at home, or needs direct help from professionals. 

4. Overcharging

Yes, overcharging can result in the battery releasing smokes. This universal law is applied not only to car batteries but to all kinds of batteries. 

Overcharging is the result of the battery cell responding to the overcharging by releasing excessive pressure in the form of smoke. 

When your car battery is releasing smoke due to overcharging, it’s best to air the room right away or put the battery in a place where there are no people. The gas is flammable and toxic most of the time. 

The solution to overcharging is by purchasing smart chargers. Smart chargers are perfect because they can discharge the charging process by themselves, unlike manual chargers that need constant supervision. Smart chargers might be pricey compared to manual chargers, but they can save both the battery and those surrounding us.

5. Dead Battery

Believe it or not, but dead batteries can result in battery smoking in car. This usually happens when the battery gives its last straw and ended up not having all the essentials after starting the battery. 

The only solution to this problem is by purchasing a new battery. It’s best to purchase the battery at least one month before the approximate lifespan of the battery. You can check the battery’s lifespan on the internet.

For example, if you purchase a battery that is supposed to last for three years on October 2020, it’s best to purchase a backup in September 2023.

Battery Smoking When Trying to Jump Start

There are good news and bad news, but the safest option is don’t jump start the battery when it gives out smoke. 

Let’s start with the good news first: yes, you can jump start a battery when the battery has smokes. 

Now here’s the bad news: you need to check on the battery first to find out the cause of the smoke from the battery. Is it due to faulty positions, or is it another matter?

When the cause of the battery’s smoke is leakage off cracks, do not jump start the battery. Doing a jump start on a battery with leakage or cracks can result in an explosion, so it’s best to call a professional towing service. 

So can you jump start a battery when it gives out smokes? Yes, you can jump start the battery when it’s letting out smoke. However, you must look at the other signs, such as leakage and cracks. The safest bet for this is not to jump start at all and give the battery to the professionals. 

Battery Smoking and Smells

Battery smokes are usually due to the mixture of the liquid inside the battery, and it’s usually the mixture of water and sulfuric acid. So don’t be surprised if the smoke starts smelling like sulfur (and an unpleasant one too).

From here we can see that there are various causes of battery smoking in car. However, they all pose the same danger that can result in the damage of the car battery. If we take the matters into our own hands, it might give the unwanted results we all want to avoid. So when this case happens to you, it’s best to give the battery to the professionals and watch them work.