Swollen Car Battery: Is It Dangerous? Causes & Solutions

The battery is a very significant part of the car, as it provides the necessary electrical energy to the various parts of the car. A car’s battery provides electrical energy for ignition and for using the various modern electronic features of the car. Car batteries are designed to be reliable and long-lasting, but they can develop several faults over time. Among all, we will look after especially the swollen car battery causes, which are one of the most concerning issues that can occur in vehicles.

A swollen battery in the car indicates serious safety concerns, hidden damage, and poor battery maintenance. The car battery gets swollen because the increased pressure is building up inside. When the top, side, or another part of the battery is swollen, then you must understand that gases released due to the chemical reaction are exerting pressure from inside, and that is why the battery is getting bloated. In this article, we have explored the danger of swollen batteries, the reasons behind them, and their fixes so that you can fix this issue as early as possible.

What Are the Most Common Swollen Car Battery Causes?

1] Overcharging

When a battery gets an excess voltage that it cannot handle, it can create a chemical reaction inside the battery and produce excessive hydrogen and oxygen that create a pressure inside the battery, and these gases exert pressure from inside, which is the primary swollen battery causes . A malfunctioning alternator, faulty voltage regulator, or wrong battery charger, and leaving the battery charging for a long duration can damage the battery.

2] Heat exposure

When a car is parked outdoors in extreme heat conditions, chemical reactions inside the battery speed up, resulting in the evaporation of battery fluid very quickly. This is one of the most common battery swelling causes that can increase the chances of battery degradation. Hot conditions in the car’s hood and poor airflow can strain the battery and shorten the battery life.

3] Extreme cold temperatures

Cold weather conditions are one of the swollen car battery causes. A battery exposed to cold weather leads to electrolyte freezing, and this could cause the battery casing to expand or squeeze, and battery casing may crack or expand. A weak or discharged battery freezes in less time compared to a fully charged car battery.

4] Poor battery maintenance

Corroded battery terminals, low-level battery fluid, loose or dirty battery connections, and wrong charging practices are some of the reasons why your car battery gets swollen and can also signal to bulging battery causes. Proper care and maintenance extend battery lifespan and reduce the risk of battery swelling.

5] Worn-out or too-old battery

Over time, a car battery loses its efficiency and performance. Depending on the uses, climate, age, and maintenance, a battery’s lifespan varies from 3 to 5 years. As the battery gets old, the plates of the battery degrade, which increases the chances of swelling.

Also Read: Reasons Why Your Car Battery Keeps Draining & How To Stop It?

What Are the Dangers of Driving a Car with a Swollen Battery?

1] Battery Explosion Risk

When a car battery gets swollen, excessive internal pressure builds, and it exerts pressure on the outside casing of the battery. If the casing of the battery is cracked, it has a chance of exploding or blasting, which releases excessive corrosive chemicals that will cause injuries and damage the vehicle.

2] Battery Acid Leakage

In case your car battery has swollen and its casing has cracked, then there will be a chance of leaking sulfuric acid that will harm the internal wiring of your vehicle’s electrical system and might corrode neighboring vehicle parts.

3] Unexpected Battery Breakdown

When a battery gets swollen, it’s actually weak, and only a small amount of power is left on it, so it may suddenly stop delivering power to the car, and you can struggle to start, and the engine may not ignite. The electrical system of a vehicle, such as the lights, power windows, or infotainment, in rare cases, has been seen to cause the vehicle to catch fire.

Also Read: Can You Jump-Start a Car with a Bad Alternator? Here’s the Answer

4] Charging system issue

A vehicle battery can swell when it is overcharged, often due to a faulty alternator or defective voltage regulator. If the underlying issue is not repaired before installing a new battery, the replacement battery may also be overcharged and could swell again.

What Are Some Early Swollen Car Battery Symptoms?

If you notice any of the following dead car battery signs, it means your car battery needs replacement or repair.

• The battery looks like it’s expanded or distorted
• The vehicle may face a starting problem
• Headlights glow dimly
• An acid leak is apparent on the battery
• When a vehicle is running, the battery becomes hot
• Electronics, electrical, and other infotainment devices may not function evenly.
• An unpleasant odour is coming from the battery.

What to Do When Your Car Battery Starts Swelling?

• Stop using the battery
• Don’t turn on the vehicle
• Disconnect the battery terminals immediately
• Get your car battery replaced as soon as possible

Tips to Prevent Car Battery Failing Signs

• Check the car battery once a month
• Clean the battery regularly
• Park your car in a shaded area and keep away from excessive hot and cold temperatures
• Replace the battery whenever recommended by a reputable car workshop in Perth.
• Use good-quality battery fluid and correct chargers.

Is it Possible to Repair a Swollen Car Battery?

A swollen or blurry battery cannot be repaired or reused. Generally, swollen car battery causes are overcharging, ageing, operating in extreme temperature conditions, and manufacturing defects. If your battery is under warranty, then it may get replaced by the manufacturer. A swollen battery should be handled effectively to avoid hazardous situations and to ensure the safety of the person who is disposing of the swollen battery.

Conclusion

If your car battery gets swollen and you ignore the sign, you have to pay a heavy price. Although it may deliver the power in a short period, if you’re using it, but it can be dangerous for your safety. Try to check your vehicle’s battery once a month, and if you notice something unusual, then you can book appointment with SAI Auto Care, a reputable and experienced name in Car Battery Replacement in Perth and we have highly experienced automotive technicians that care for cars effectively. Replacing the swollen battery as soon as possible and choosing best car battery brands for the new car battery is the best option to ensure safety so that you can enjoy smooth vehicle riding.