What are the symptoms of water entering a car battery?
2 Answers
Water entering a car battery can cause damage to the battery and lead to corrosion of the electrodes, so the battery needs to be replaced immediately if water gets inside. Here are some specific details about car batteries: 1. Function of the battery: When starting the engine, it provides a strong starting current to the starter and works together with the alternator to supply power to electrical devices. When the engine is idling, it powers the electrical devices. The car battery also acts as a capacitor, protecting the vehicle's electrical equipment. 2. Voltage: With the increasing number of electrical devices in vehicles and the emergence of mild hybrid systems, the 12V voltage is no longer sufficient, leading to continuous increases in voltage. Currently, the mainstream voltage for mild hybrid systems is 48V.
Last time I washed my car, I accidentally splashed water into the battery compartment. The next day, the engine struggled to start, coughing like an asthmatic before barely igniting. When I lifted the hood and touched the battery casing, it was completely soaked and dripping, with visible blue copper corrosion and blackened spots on the metal terminals. The scariest part was catching a faint sour, rotten smell—like a mix of rotten eggs and rust—when I turned on the AC. After parking, the battery warning light on the dashboard flickered inexplicably. The mechanic later explained it was a short circuit caused by leaked electrolyte. Luckily, it was caught in time; otherwise, electrode corrosion could have completely ruined the battery. A reminder to everyone: after washing your car or driving through water, always check the battery compartment seal and use a dry cloth to soak up any accumulated water.
