What Causes Car Battery Bulging?
2 Answers
Car battery bulging is caused by: 1. Issues with battery manufacturing quality, such as uneven electrode coating and rough production processes; 2. Intense short-circuit reactions generating excessive heat, leading to electrolyte decomposition and vaporization; 3. Prolonged battery inactivity. Car batteries, also known as storage batteries, are a type of battery categorized into standard batteries, dry-charged batteries, and maintenance-free batteries. Their working principle involves converting chemical energy into electrical energy. The functions of a car battery include: 1. Providing starting current to the starter when starting the engine; 2. Assisting the alternator in powering electrical equipment when the generator is overloaded; 3. Supplying power to electrical devices when the engine is idling; 4. Protecting the electrical components used in the vehicle.
I've been driving for decades and have seen many cases of swollen batteries. The main cause is overcharging—like when the voltage regulator fails, and the charging voltage exceeds 15 volts, causing the electrolyte to decompose and produce a large amount of gas, which bulges the casing. High temperatures are another culprit; in summer, engine compartment temperatures can reach 70-80 degrees Celsius, making thermal expansion particularly noticeable. My old car battery once had a big bulge on the side due to this. Another often overlooked issue is low battery fluid levels, where the plates are exposed, causing intense bubbling during charging. Nowadays, I always advise my friends to regularly check the charging system voltage, clean the battery vent holes before summer each year, and avoid using cheap, low-quality chargers to save money.
