How to Deal with a Swollen Battery?
3 Answers
A swollen battery cannot be repaired, and repair is not recommended. It is advised to replace it directly. Below is additional information about batteries: 1. Hazards of a swollen battery: A swollen battery can easily lead to reverse polarity later on—meaning the positive terminal becomes negative, and the negative terminal becomes positive. This can cause the charger to burn out, damage the controller, and, most seriously, if the controller and charger's protective functions are not comprehensive enough, it may even result in a vehicle fire. 2. Causes of battery swelling: Battery swelling is one of the common causes of battery failure, often appearing as bulging on both sides. The main reasons are excessive charging or discharging currents, leading to a rapid rise in the battery's internal temperature, inadequate venting, and pressure buildup to a certain level, causing swelling or deformation. If a swollen battery is discovered, it should be repaired as soon as possible. During the repair process, the charging system's working condition should be checked to ensure the charging voltage and current are within reasonable limits, and that the generator and charging circuit are functioning properly.
I've been driving for most of my life and have seen many cases of swollen car batteries, mainly caused by overcharging or high temperatures leading to internal gas buildup. Once you notice a bulging battery, immediately turn off the engine and don't move the car, as it could explode or leak acid at any moment, harming you or damaging internal components. For safe handling, wear thick rubber gloves and protective goggles, then carefully disconnect the cables: remove the negative terminal first, followed by the positive, and slowly extract the battery. Place it in a ventilated plastic bag or bucket and take it to a professional recycling facility. Next, replace it with a new battery of the correct model. Don’t forget to check the charging system—if the alternator output is too high, the new battery will also fail. Regular maintenance is key, such as avoiding parking under direct sunlight in summer—I learned this the hard way in my younger days. Timely action prevented bigger troubles.
Last week, my new car battery suddenly bulged, causing quite a panic. For beginners, handling it is simple: park the car, turn off the engine to cut power, wear gloves to remove the battery and place it in a cool spot—don’t delay as risks increase. Replace it with a new one immediately; don’t attempt to repair the old battery as its internals are already damaged. Check if the charger or wiring is functioning properly, as unstable voltage might have caused overcharging. For prevention, avoid frequent short trips that prevent full charging, or leaving the car parked unused in the garage for too long; investing in a high-quality battery can save hassle. I bought a voltmeter to regularly monitor the battery, ensuring it stays around 14V for normal operation. These small steps add up and can significantly extend your car’s lifespan.
