Can a swollen battery still be used?
2 Answers
A swollen battery cannot be used. The reasons for the swelling are: 1. The charger used does not match the battery's parameters, or the charging voltage is too high due to aging of the charger or wiring, causing parameter drift during charging; 2. Sulfation of the battery caused by high-current discharge, deep discharge, frequent discharge, failure to charge in time, or insufficient charging time, leading to battery bloating; 3. Malfunction of the battery's safety valve. The safety valve in the discharge circuit automatically opens to release pressure when the internal pressure of the battery rises, ensuring normal battery use. If the safety valve fails to open when the battery's pressure rises, it results in battery swelling.
My old car battery has bulged multiple times, each time making my heart race. I sincerely advise against continuing to use it. Bulging indicates internal short circuits or overcharging, with gas accumulation causing the casing to expand. If you still force-start it, there's a high risk of acid leakage corroding the chassis or even causing an explosion, especially during hot summer temperatures. Once, I tried to save money by using it for two more weeks, only to experience weak starts and damage to other circuits, ultimately costing me over a thousand more for a new battery. Safety is paramount—I immediately drove to a professional repair shop for inspection, where the mechanic confirmed unstable voltage and insisted on replacement. Regularly check if the charging system is functioning properly to prevent overcharging and premature aging of the battery.
