What does it mean when a car battery's plates are damaged?
2 Answers
Car battery plate damage indicates that the battery plates have been compromised, typically involving softening of the positive plates, sulfation of the negative plates, or short circuits and breaks in the plates. When the battery plates are damaged, the battery must be replaced. Precautions are as follows: Regular inspection: It is recommended to periodically check whether the small holes on the battery cover are ventilated. If these holes are blocked, the hydrogen and oxygen produced cannot escape, and the expansion of the electrolyte may rupture the battery casing, affecting the battery's lifespan. Additionally, regularly inspect whether the positive and negative terminal connections are loose, and tighten them promptly if necessary. Check water level: Note that if the water level is found to be below the lower mark, distilled water must be added. If distilled water is not immediately available, filtered tap water can be used as an emergency measure. Do not add too much water; the standard is to fill it to the midpoint between the upper and lower marks.
A couple of days ago, my car wouldn't start no matter what. I had a mechanic friend check it out, and he found that there was an issue with the battery plates. Inside a car battery, there are positive and negative plates—they act like the 'heart' of the battery, supplying power to the car through chemical reactions. If these plates get damaged—say, from corrosion, warping, or a short circuit—the battery won’t hold a charge or may leak power, leading to difficulty starting the car or dim headlights. I’ve been in this situation before because I charged it too often without proper maintenance. Now, I always advise friends to regularly check the battery fluid levels and avoid deep discharges. Replacing the battery early can save you from towing fees and unnecessary hassle. Remember, a battery’s lifespan is usually 3-5 years, and plate issues are often a sign of aging—don’t wait until your car breaks down on the road.