What Are the Effects of a Car Battery Being Soaked in Water?
2 Answers
The battery itself is waterproof. As long as the water level does not exceed the bottom metal position of the two terminals, there is no issue. However, if the water reaches the two terminals, it can cause numerous fault codes in the car, which need to be cleared one by one using specialized equipment. Measures: It is necessary to check whether there are water stains in the intake and exhaust systems at the engine end. The intake system should be inspected in sequence: air filter, intake manifold, back of the valves, and inside the cylinders. For the exhaust system, the entire exhaust pipe should be removed and stood upright (with the exhaust pipe outlet facing downward) to check if any water flows out from the inside. Insurance: The insurer is responsible for compensation according to the insurance contract when the insured or their legally permitted driver uses the insured motor vehicle. The insurer is also responsible for compensating the necessary and reasonable expenses incurred by the insured or their representative in taking rescue or protective measures to prevent or reduce the loss of the insured motor vehicle.
I encountered this issue last year. That day, heavy rain flooded the entire underground garage, and my car battery was completely submerged. A water-soaked battery mainly affects three aspects: First, the risk of leakage increases as water slowly seeps into the battery, causing a short circuit between the positive and negative terminals; second, corrosion becomes a problem—prolonged soaking causes severe rusting of the battery terminals, leading to poor contact; third, there's a safety hazard, as a waterlogged battery may release flammable gases, which can cause minor explosions if they encounter a short circuit. At the time, I had the car towed directly to the repair shop, where the mechanic said such a water-damaged battery is basically only fit for replacement and cannot be repaired. My advice is not to attempt starting the vehicle and to call a tow truck for the safest solution.
