Can a Car Battery with Broken Cells Still Be Used?
3 Answers
After a battery has broken cells, it cannot be used and should be repaired immediately. The causes and repair methods for broken battery cells are as follows: Causes of Broken Battery Cells: The reasons for broken battery cells include poor battery quality; incorrect usage leading to internal short circuits; frequent battery use; or severe impacts or drops. Repair Methods for Broken Battery Cells: For a battery with broken cells, the problematic single cell can be extracted and replaced. After replacement, seal it with sealing glue, weld the terminals, add electrolyte, and finally charge the battery. Those with the necessary skills can attempt to repair it themselves, but it is best to seek professional help at a repair shop.
As a veteran driver with twenty years of experience, I have personally encountered the issue of a broken battery cell. If there is an internal broken cell in the battery, it essentially means the battery is done for, as the damage to a single cell causes unstable voltage, difficulty starting the car, and even the engine making a clunking sound. On the surface, it might still manage to start a few times, but with dim lights and weak air conditioning. Prolonged use will force the alternator to overcompensate, risking damage to other components. Don't gamble with luck—a battery with a broken cell is like a ticking time bomb that could leave you stranded anytime. My most practical advice is to get it checked at a reputable repair shop immediately. Once confirmed, replace the battery right away. Always keep an eye on your battery's condition to avoid such troubles.
I'm particularly concerned about safety issues. Once a battery cell is damaged, it can no longer be used. After internal cell damage, the voltage drops directly below 10 volts, causing insufficient engine speed during startup, which may lead to sudden stalling on the highway and easily trigger accidents. I've seen a friend stubbornly using a damaged battery, which eventually burned out the alternator, doubling the repair costs. Timely replacement is the safest option. Nowadays, a regular battery only costs a few hundred bucks—don't penny-pinch and invite bigger trouble. During maintenance, always ask the mechanic to check the battery fluid level and connection points to spot issues early.
