Can a Battery Self-Ignite If Not Charged?
3 Answers
Battery not charging can lead to self-ignition. The main reasons include uneven temperature distribution within the battery pack, high local temperatures, overcharging or over-discharging, external short circuits, internal short circuits, as well as mechanical factors such as water ingress, poor sealing, and collisions. Characteristics of the battery: Car batteries have a characteristic known as self-discharge. This means that even if the car is left stationary, the battery will gradually discharge. Over time, this leads to a state of undercharge, causing irreversible damage to the battery and significantly reducing its lifespan. How to handle the battery if the car is not driven for a long time: Start the vehicle and let it run for more than an hour every week or every ten days. Note that the running time should be long enough; otherwise, the recharge might not compensate for the discharge. If there's no time to start the vehicle, it is recommended to disconnect all the battery's connecting cables.
The battery not charging itself usually doesn't directly cause spontaneous combustion, as most car batteries are lead-acid type and relatively stable. However, if left uncharged for a long time, it can become over-discharged, with the voltage dropping to very low levels, making it prone to overheating or internal short circuits. Once a short circuit occurs, it may generate sparks or high temperatures, posing a fire risk if exposed to flammable materials. I've experienced this once—a friend's car battery was left uncharged for too long, and when trying to start it, smoke appeared and it nearly caught fire, but luckily it was extinguished quickly. It's important to regularly check the battery voltage and not let it completely discharge; when the car is not in use, connect a charger to maintain power. Additionally, high-temperature environments or an aging battery can increase such risks, so remember to perform maintenance every six months to avoid accidents.
As a car owner, I must say that batteries generally don't self-ignite when not charging, but the risks are significant. When a battery discharges too much, it becomes weak, internal resistance increases, and it generates excessive heat during operation. If the battery itself is damaged or aged, the accumulated heat might reach a point where it could cause a fire. Once during a discussion in a car enthusiast group, everyone mentioned that lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles pose higher risks, but lead-acid batteries are relatively more reliable. In any case, don't take it lightly—especially in winter when batteries are more prone to failure. It's recommended to start the car at least once a month to charge the battery or use a tester to check if the voltage is normal. This can significantly reduce the risk of fire—safety is more important than anything else.
