Can a flooded battery still be used if it gets water inside?

[DiSamuel]

If a battery is flooded with water and not treated promptly, it may become unusable. Although batteries contain water, it is different from regular water. The water inside a battery is usually distilled or high-purity water, with very low conductivity, making it essentially non-conductive. However, common water in daily life contains various metals and trace elements that conduct electricity, so water ingress can cause short circuits and other issues in the battery. Below is an introduction to car battery discharge: 1. Introduction to discharge: Car battery discharge can lead to battery sulfation. If the discharge is severe, it may even render the battery unusable. Battery discharge, also known as deep discharge, occurs when the voltage drops below 10.50V, causing sulfuric acid and lead plates to form lead sulfate. If not charged in time, lead sulfate can crystallize. Over time, these crystals may not decompose even after recharging, a condition known as battery sulfation. 2. Solution for discharge: After a car battery is discharged, it should be immediately charged using a battery charger. If a regular charger fails to charge the battery, a repair device with high-resistance repair must be used to raise the voltage above 10V for successful charging.

[StAdaline]

A couple of days ago, I encountered flood conditions while driving, and water entering the battery is no small matter. The battery contains sulfuric acid electrolyte, and when water seeps in, a chemical reaction occurs, producing corrosive substances that can lead to terminal rust, electrical short circuits, and even overheating or explosions—just thinking about it is terrifying. I remember one time after a rainstorm, upon inspection, I found the battery had water seepage, and the car wouldn't start at all, forcing me to call a tow truck. The professionals said the battery was basically ruined in such cases and advised not to skimp on a few hundred bucks. Getting a new battery is much safer, especially in urban areas prone to heavy rain—prevention is key. Safety comes first; taking risks can lead to hidden dangers, ranging from a breakdown to severe damage to the entire vehicle's electrical system.

[KeeganLee]

I've fixed many similar issues. Once the battery is flooded, immediate action is required. First, disconnect the positive and negative battery cables to prevent short circuits. Then, find a well-ventilated area to let it air dry naturally—avoid direct sunlight or using a hair dryer as this can accelerate oxidation. After drying, test if the voltage is normal, but in over 90% of cases, the internal components are already damaged, significantly reducing performance. Don't dwell on whether it's still usable; replacing it with a new battery is the hassle-free solution. A standard battery costs just a few hundred yuan, and in the long run, it's worth it for reliable vehicle operation. Preventive measures like avoiding parking in waterlogged areas and regularly checking the sealing cap can help avoid such troubles.

[VonJaxson]

Last month, my neighbor's car got soaked after being parked in a heavy rainstorm, and the battery stopped working immediately after water got in. He tried drying it out and restarting, but the car emitted smoke upon ignition, and he ended up spending 800 yuan on a new battery. The internal structure of a battery is highly susceptible to moisture damage; water intrusion can corrode the electrode plates or cause acid leakage, making it completely irreparable. Since then, I've made sure to park my car in a dry garage to avoid such risks. A water-damaged battery is essentially scrap metal—don't take chances, address the issue promptly to prevent further trouble.