Can a swollen and overheated battery still be used?

[SkylarLee]

If it only gets slightly hot and shows minor swelling during normal charging, there should be no immediate issue, but it's best to replace it with a new battery to ensure safety. Many electric vehicle fires are related to this. If the battery is swollen, it should not be used further as charging can be dangerous. Reasons for lead-acid battery swelling include: 1. Charger parameters: Mismatched charger parameters causing thermal runaway during charging, leading to battery swelling. 2. Quality issues: Problems with the internal battery cell groups, such as micro-shorts or lack of acid, can also cause thermal runaway and swelling.

[AlanaLynn]

I once encountered a swollen car battery. During a long drive, I suddenly smelled a sour odor. After pulling over, I found the battery was scalding hot and bulging like a balloon, which gave me quite a scare. Honestly, it absolutely cannot be used anymore because this indicates internal damage, likely caused by overcharging, a short circuit, or aging. Continuing to use it could lead to electrolyte leakage corroding car parts at best, or at worst, an explosion or fire—extremely dangerous. I immediately pulled over and called for roadside assistance, towing it to a repair shop for a new battery. The mechanic discovered the alternator had unstable voltage and fixed that too, solving the problem. Since then, I always ask technicians to check battery temperature and voltage during maintenance to prevent future issues. Remember, driving safety always comes first—don’t risk it to save money. A new battery costs just a few hundred bucks, far cheaper than repairing the whole car. Regularly cleaning terminal connections and checking electrolyte levels can also prevent this situation.

[StCassidy]

As someone who frequently tinkers with cars, I've found that a swollen and overheated battery is a major warning sign. It indicates that the internal chemical reactions are out of control, possibly due to a short circuit or overcharging. In such cases, the battery must be replaced immediately and should no longer be used. Last week, while helping a friend inspect his car, we encountered this exact issue with his old battery—it was uncomfortably hot to the touch. We promptly disconnected it and installed a new one. Otherwise, it could leak and damage the wiring in the engine bay, or even cause a fire. Don't take chances—checking is simple: just use a multimeter to measure the voltage, which should normally be around 12.6 volts. If it's too high or too low, you'll need to inspect the charging system. For routine maintenance, keeping the battery terminals clean and avoiding prolonged parking in high temperatures can help prevent issues. Saving money is minor compared to safety—spend a little at a reputable shop to ensure peace of mind.

[PeytonAnn]

A swollen and overheated battery is no small issue. I've experienced a similar situation where my car suddenly wouldn't start, and upon inspection, the battery had expanded. The conclusion was clear - it had to be replaced due to the high risk of internal rupture or acid leakage. This is often caused by overcharging, such as from a faulty charger. The safest and simplest solution is to replace it with a new battery. For routine maintenance, remember to check your battery's appearance and temperature every six months.