Why Does the Battery Get Hot While Charging?
3 Answers
The main reasons for a battery becoming hot or overheating during charging are two-fold: one is the natural degradation and aging of the battery itself, and the other is a malfunction in the charger. Voltage: The standard charging voltage for a car battery is 12V. During the charging process, the voltage typically ranges between 13.5-14.5V. When charged in the vehicle via the rectifier, it should not exceed 15V. If using an external charger, the charging voltage is usually around 14V. Current: During the charging process, the charging current should not be too high. It is strongly recommended that car owners avoid using fast charging. Instead, use a current that is half of the rated charging current and extend the charging time to twice the normal duration.
Last time I charged my car battery, I noticed its casing was getting hot, which really worried me. Later, I asked a friend at the repair shop, and he said this is usually caused by too high a charging current or internal issues due to battery aging. For example, internal short circuits or electrolyte imbalance can cause heat to build up. Hot environments add another layer of stress. The solution is to immediately disconnect the charger and let the battery cool down. Avoid charging on hot days or using high-power chargers. Regularly checking battery health and using smart chargers can prevent problems, extend service life, and improve overall safety. Since then, I've paid attention to these details, and my car has had fewer issues.
A hot battery during charging is a common phenomenon, but it should never be ignored. The main reasons behind this are often overcharging or excessively high charging current settings, leading to thermal runaway in the battery. Additionally, increased internal resistance due to battery aging or poor wiring connections can also cause temperature rise. From a simple perspective, it is recommended to immediately stop charging to allow the battery to cool down and check if the charger specifications match. For maintenance, regularly cleaning battery terminals and avoiding prolonged full charges can help reduce the risk of overheating. Safety first—don't let the issue escalate into a fire hazard. Investing in a charger with temperature regulation in the long run will make the charging process more stable and worry-free.