Does dropping a car battery in water have any impact?
3 Answers
Dropping a car battery in water does have an impact, and it requires timely inspection and repair. Here is a detailed introduction about car maintenance: 1. Overview: Car maintenance is a general term for car upkeep and repair. It involves using technical means to diagnose faulty cars, identify the cause of the malfunction, and take certain measures to eliminate the fault and restore the car to a certain level of performance and safety standards. 2. Others: Car maintenance includes major repairs and minor repairs. Major car repairs refer to restorative repairs that use methods of repairing or replacing any car parts (including basic components) to restore the car's perfect technical condition and fully (or nearly fully) recover the car's lifespan. Minor car repairs refer to operational repairs that use methods of replacing or repairing individual parts to ensure or restore the car's working capability.
Car batteries getting submerged in water can indeed cause issues. I've seen many car owners face battery problems after such incidents, mainly because water can cause short circuits, instantly leading to electrode oxidation or internal chemical reactions. Battery leakage corroding components is a common outcome. The worst scenario is if the water contains salt or other impurities, which increases conductivity and can cause faster discharge, even smoking or catching fire. In such cases, my first recommendation is to turn off the vehicle engine to prevent chain reactions, then remove the battery wearing gloves and clean surface stains with a damp cloth. Let it dry in a ventilated area for one to two days, then check the voltage with a multimeter. If the reading is below 12 volts, it's time for a replacement. Regularly check if the hood is properly closed when parking, and avoid deep water areas to effectively prevent such troubles—don't wait until costly repairs make you regret it.
I'm quite concerned about the safety risks when a car battery gets wet. The contact between battery acid and water may cause overheating or even explosion, which could at least damage the wire connections, or worse, harm the driver. Some people think it's fine to just rinse it with water, but for old batteries with poor sealing, water entering the interior dilutes the electrolyte, directly cutting the battery's lifespan in half. I remember a friend accidentally sprayed water into the battery compartment while washing the car, and the car wouldn't start the next day—it turned out the terminals were corroded. In such cases, it's recommended to disconnect the power first, clean off the water, and check for any leaks. If you notice discoloration or unusual odors, take it for repair immediately. Also, be mindful of environmentally disposing of old batteries to prevent soil pollution, as it affects our daily travel safety.
