Nov 16, 2020 Pageview:504
Last week I had a long trip with my friend, and on our way back home, I noticed that there was smoke emanating from the front part of the car. I thought that maybe it was from nearby apartments. However, it became so strong, and we had to stop the car.
We noticed that the battery was the source of the smoke. I had asked myself many questions that I could not get answers at that time.
Therefore, I did my research and asked the experts. A smoking battery can make you feel insecure because you do not know what will happen next. You might have heard a hissing sound or saw smoke coming out of your battery, and you do not know what to do.
In this article, we want to make sure that you address the problem safely. Therefore, you have to follow us through this article and learn the reasons for this problem, its solutions, and the results you will get after attending to your battery.
Therefore, let us start with what might be causing this problem and get detailed information. This can help you now, in the future, or even it can help a friend.
There are several reasons for the foul odor smell of rotten eggs, smoke, and the hissing sound. Therefore, it is good that we get each reason and later get the solution to prevent this problem in the future.
Overheating
The root issue of this problem is excessive heat. This mostly happens in hot areas or during summer. Batteries should not be charged under excessive heat because they might even end up exploding.
You will notice that this problem of smoking battery is common in hot areas. This is because the electrolyte in the battery may start boiling and evaporating, leading to the smoke. If you do not monitor it well, the smoking can kill your battery.
Overcharging
In most cases, a battery that is being charged removes a gas. Overcharging leads to the production of excess gas that increases the pressure inside the battery. The overcharged battery vents the excess gas is dangerous because it is flammable and toxic.
Sometimes, if the battery cannot vent the pressure fast enough, the battery can explode and cause fatal accidents. Another thing that can lead to this problem is overcharging a battery with a charger. Thus, it is always advisable that you use battery chargers that regulate amperage and voltage.
Some chargers will continue charging a battery even when the battery has achieved its full charge. These chargers bring the problem of a smoking battery.
Faulty Alternator
Most cars are designed to charge the battery while the car is moving. The alternator performs the charging work. However, alternators are prone to breaking down just like any other equipment.
A faulty alternator can overcharge a battery to the point of making it produce smoke. The typical alternator output should range between 13.7 to 14.7 volts, and you can measure this directly at the battery's terminals while the vehicle is running.
Dead Battery
A smoking battery can be a good sign that your battery has no life left. Therefore, if you notice that your battery is producing smoke, then the first thing that should ring in your head is your battery's age.
If you discover that you cannot even recall the day you bought the battery, go straight to the nearby shop and replace it.
Nevertheless, you might be asking yourself our did that dead battery starts a car. However, you should know that maybe the battery used its last reserved energy to ignite the car for the last time. You need to get a new battery even before this problem starts to happen.
Lose Connection Or Short-circuiting
The battery of any car is a component that is likely to be affected easily. Therefore, a slide problem can harm the battery. Manufacturers usually advise that you keep the battery’s terminals tight and well screwed.
A smoking battery might be a sign that the positive plate has met the negative plate. Thus, it is good to check for the origin of the short-circuiting before making any decision.
A smoking battery can emit fumes that can be harmful to our bodies. Thus, it is good to move away from it. It will cool down after sometimes, then you will find out the cause of the problem. The battery can also explode and cause fatal accidents.
You can call an expert who can help you with solving the issue. If the alternator is not working properly, then it can be hard for you to know. Also, if there is a short-circuiting, it can be hard to find it given many wires present.
It is also good to park your car in a cold place to let the battery cool down for a while. The problem might be overheating; thus, it will be wise if the battery remained in a cold environment for a while.
If the battery starts smoking during charging, disconnect the charger immediately. The problem might be overcharging, which can only be stopped by disconnecting the charger and letting it cool. You should also check the charger to ensure it is in good condition.
A smoking battery emits fumes in the form of smoke. If a battery is overcharged, the electrolyte will start to boil and evaporate, thus emitting fumes. These fumes can be both flammable and toxic. Therefore, you should be cautious when you notice that your battery is producing smoke.
Overcharging of lead-acid batteries can lead to the production of hydrogen sulfide. This gas is colorless, flammable, and very poisonous, and has a rotten egg's odor.
The increased pressure inside the battery is what can cause an explosion. These fumes can be more harmful to children and pregnant women because some batteries contain lead. Therefore, it is always recommended that you charge your battery in a well-ventilated room.
It is always advisable that you frequently check your battery to avoid issues like the smoking battery. Frequent checks die not cost you anything but the replacement of a battery will cost you a good amount of money.
The maintenance practices for batteries are so simple. Therefore, ensure you charge your battery in the recommended conditions and using the right tools.
Leave a message
We’ll get back to you soon