What Causes Water Leakage from a Car Battery?
2 Answers
Water leakage from a car battery is likely due to prolonged charging or overfilling with water. It is normal for some battery fluid to overflow during charging. If there is excessive overflow, the charging time should be appropriately controlled. The phenomenon of water leakage during battery charging is related to the battery's principle and structure. A battery can store electrical energy and convert it into chemical energy. Inside the battery, there are anode plates, separator plates, cathode plates, and electrolyte (dilute sulfuric acid). Below are some tips for car battery maintenance: 1. Avoid long-term parking: The battery installed in the car will self-discharge during prolonged parking, so it is best to drive the car at least once a week for a trip lasting at least 20 minutes to allow the battery to charge while driving. 2. Close windows before turning off the engine: The power supply for the car's windows and sunroof comes from the battery, so it is best to close all windows before turning off the engine rather than after, or even using the long-press lock button to close the windows after leaving the car. 3. Keep the battery clean and tidy: Regular inspection is an effective way to extend the service life of the car battery. Use a professional battery electrode brush or an old toothbrush to clean dust and corrosion from the positive and negative terminals. Apply a layer of Vaseline or grease to the contact surfaces to form a protective film.
Last time I was driving, I noticed the battery was leaking water, which was quite alarming. It might be due to an issue with the charging system, such as a faulty voltage regulator causing the battery to overcharge, leading to the electrolyte boiling, expanding, and spilling over. This is especially prone to happen during the hot summer months. If the battery is old or not properly sealed, the electrolyte can also leak and corrode parts. I recommend immediately turning off the engine and parking the car safely, then doing a quick check of the battery fluid level. If it's low, add some distilled water. However, this issue shouldn't be delayed—it's best to take it to a repair shop for a comprehensive inspection. Otherwise, there's a high risk of short circuits or fires, and it could also damage the wiring under the car's hood. When handling it, wear gloves for protection to avoid skin contact, as the electrolyte is acidic and very dangerous. For regular maintenance, periodically check the battery's condition and keep it clean to prevent such issues.
