Why Does a Car Battery Get Hot?
3 Answers
The reasons for a car battery getting hot are: 1. Poor contact between the charging port and the battery due to faulty wiring or sockets; 2. Mismatch between the charger and the battery; 3. The battery has been used for a long time, resulting in excessive current during operation. The maintenance methods for the battery are: 1. Avoid parking the car in an open parking lot for extended periods to prevent the battery from freezing and getting damaged; 2. In winter, the car engine is harder to start, so each attempt to start the car should not exceed 5 seconds. The functions of the battery are: 1. Assisting the generator in supplying power to electrical devices when the generator is overloaded; 2. Supplying power to electrical devices when the generator is not generating electricity or the voltage is low; 3. Converting part of the electrical energy into chemical energy for storage.
Recently, I opened a car shop and found that car batteries getting hot is quite common. It could be due to a faulty voltage regulator in the alternator, causing overcharging and excessive internal reactions generating heat. Or the battery might be old, with damaged separators leading to internal short circuits, where high current causes heat buildup. When checking, look at the voltmeter—normal voltage should be around 13.8 volts; higher readings indicate overcharging. Also, corroded or loose terminals increase resistance, making them hot to the touch. In summer, high engine bay temperatures can also trigger issues. Don’t ignore safety risks—excessive heat may cause battery leakage or even explosions. Regular maintenance is advised. Before replacing the battery, test the alternator’s function to prevent hidden risks from escalating. Make it a habit to check after turning off the engine to ensure worry-free driving.
Last month, my car battery overheated, which was quite nerve-wracking. I suspect it was because I kept the air conditioning and music on after parking, creating too much load. The small current discharge caused abnormal reactions inside the battery, accumulating heat. Additionally, worn-out wires causing short circuits or loose connections could also lead to localized overheating. In an emergency, I immediately turned off the engine and waited for it to cool down. Later, when I went for repairs, I found severe oxidation at the battery terminals. The lesson is to pay more attention to daily habits: reduce electrical usage when parked, and regularly clean the terminals to avoid corrosion. Prevention is better than repair—now I use a charger to properly top up the battery. Safety comes first; overheating could indicate a major issue, so don’t delay. Address it early to ensure safe travels.
