Why does the negative terminal of a car battery get hot?
2 Answers
The reason for the negative terminal of a car battery getting hot is excessive resistance in the negative terminal connection, which generates heat. Check if the negative cable is oxidized, has an insufficient wire gauge, or has poor grounding. Ethanol gasoline: Ethanol gasoline is an alternative fuel formed by blending fuel ethanol (processed from grains and various plant fibers) with gasoline in a certain proportion. When using ethanol gasoline, the fuel supply system must not contain water. If there is water in the fuel tank, it will mix with denatured fuel ethanol and affect the normal operation of the engine. Impact of using ethanol gasoline on cars: Ethanol gasoline contains oxygen and has a lower calorific value than gasoline, reaching only two-thirds of gasoline. Its vapor pressure also differs from gasoline, which can affect the vehicle's power performance.
Having played with cars for so many years, I've encountered quite a few cases of negative battery terminal heating. This is usually caused by increased resistance due to loose or corroded terminal screws, which generates heat when current passes through. Possible reasons include aging or short-circuited cables, internal battery issues like overcharging, or excessive current load from modified electrical accessories. DIY inspection is simple: first turn off the engine, wait for the negative terminal to cool to avoid burns, then disconnect the battery. Use a wrench to tighten the terminal screws, and if there's corrosion, clean the contact surface with baking soda solution. Safety is paramount—severe heating could lead to fire hazards. If the problem persists after handling, it's best to visit a repair shop promptly for wiring inspection. For routine maintenance, regularly cleaning battery terminals can reduce this risk. I make it a habit to clean them monthly to prevent dirt buildup that could affect heat dissipation.