If you’re like most car owners, the thought of a leaking car battery is enough to send you into a panic. After all, the leakage can mean severe damage to your car – and your wallet. Thus, you should learn how to fix a leaking car battery before it causes any significant problems.
In this blog post, we’ll share some tips on identifying and fixing the leakage. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or a novice DIYer, these tips will help you get your automobile back in working order in no time.
Symptoms of Car Battery Leaking
If you notice any of the following symptoms of leakage, it’s time to take action:
Battery Fluid on the Ground
One of the most apparent signs of a leaking car battery is fluid on the ground next to your vehicle. If you see any evidence of acid on the ground, it’s time to take your car to a mechanic for further inspection.
Also, be sure to keep your eye on the cells fluid level, as it may start to drop if the acid is leaky. As batteries get older, they begin to wear down and become more prone to leakage.
Additionally, if your car has been involved in an accident, the battery may be damaged, leading to leakage.
Corrosion on Battery Terminals
Another sign of leaking battery is corrosion on the terminals. If you see any yellow or green build-up around the terminals, it’s a good indication of leaking acid. In this case, you’ll need to clean the terminals with a baking soda and water solution.
Be sure to wear gloves and protective eyewear when doing this, as acid can cause severe skin and eye injuries. Sometimes, you might need to change the damaged battery & get a new car one.
Bubbles Forming in the Battery Fluid
If you see bubbles forming in the fluid, it’s another sign that your car battery is leaking. This is a hazardous sign, as the terminal is starting to rust, can cause misfire and could eventually explode.
If you notice this symptom, take your car to a mechanic immediately for repair or change the battery.
The smell of Rotten Eggs
If you smell a strong odor of rotten eggs near your car battery, the liquid is likely dripping acid. The sulfuric acid causes this unpleasant smell in the vehicle. If you notice this smell, change this now with good battery.
Causes of Leaking Car Battery
There can be several reasons for a seeping car battery. Here are some of the most common causes:
Old age
One of the most common causes of car battery leakage is old age. As batteries get older, they start to wear down, CCA becomes low and become more prone to leakage. Also, as batteries age, their ability to hold a charge diminishes. Your battery may be vulnerable to leakage if it’s been in use for more than three or four years.
Damaged Cells
If your vehicle has been in an accident, the battery was perhaps damaged, which leads to leakage. Also, if the battery is not correctly secured in the vehicle, it can bounce around and cause damage to the cells.
Overcharging of Battery
If you frequently overcharge your car battery, it can lead to leakage. When a battery is overcharged, the increased voltage can cause the electrolyte to break down and leak out.
Extreme Temperatures
Extreme temperatures can also cause car batteries to leak. When a battery is subjected to hot or cold weather, the metal plates inside can expand and contract, leading to leakage.
Moreover, extreme temperatures can also cause it to overheat, leading to an explosion.
Car Battery Cracked Case
If you see a crack in the case, it’s a sure sign of leakage. A cracked battery case can be caused by overcharging, extreme temperatures, or physical damage. If you notice a crack in your case, take your car to a mechanic immediately for repair or replacement.
How to Fix a Leaking Car Battery
Here is some step by step solution on how to fix a car battery that’s leaking:
Step 1: Identify the Cause
The first step is to identify the cause of the leaking battery. If it is old, you might need to replace it with a new one. However, if it is damaged or cracked, you’ll need to take it to a mechanic for further inspection and repair.
If the battery is overcharged, you can try unplugging it from the charger and letting it rest for a while. This will allow it to cool down and hopefully stop the leakage.
Step 2: Clean Up Any Battery Acid
If there is any evidence of acid on the ground or the terminals, be sure to clean it up right away. You can use a soda and water solution to neutralize the battery acid.
Soda-Water Technique
You can do this by following techniques. For this, you need:
- Baking Soda.
- Plastic Bin.
- Sealant.
- Sand Paper.
- Salt.
Step by step process
- Uncap the vehicle battery posts.
- Transfer electrolyte into a plastic bin.
- To neutralize the sulfuric acid, fill the plastic bin with baking soda.
- Use a sealant to close the terminals.
- Wipe the terminals clean with sandpaper.
- Pour salt over the battery posts to neutralize any leftover acid and soda mixture.
- Rinse off the automotive battery with water.
- Recap the posts.
Step 3: Check the Battery Cables
If the battery cables are corroded or damaged, they might be causing it to leak. So be sure to check the wires for any signs of damage and replace them if necessary. Furthermore, ensure the cables are correctly attached and tightened to the terminals.
Step 4: Secure the Battery in Place
If the battery is not properly secured in the car, it can move around and cause damage to the cells. So be sure to check that it is tightly fastened in place and there is no movement.
Step 5: Replace the Battery If Necessary
Battery replacement is an option if everything else fails. This is the last resort. But it’s better to be safe than sorry. Be sure to get a new battery of the same type and size as the old one.
FAQ’s
Is It Safe to Drive a Car Battery Leaking Acid?
-No, it is not safe to drive a car with a battery dripping acid. The acid can corrode the metal in the vehicle and cause severe damage. Also, its fumes are toxic & harmful to the environment too.
Is It Normal that New Batteries Leak?
-No, it’s not normal for new batteries to leak. Because new batteries can withstand more charge, they are less likely to leak. If your battery is leaking, it might be damaged and need to be replaced.
Can a Leaking Car Battery Explode?
-A car battery can explode if exposed to a spark or flame. So be sure to take any necessary safety precautions when working with a damaged battery. For instance, do not smoke or use any open flames near the vehicle.
What Happens If You Touch a Leaking Battery?
If you touch a leaking battery, the acid can burn your skin. So be sure to wear gloves and other protective gear when handling a faulty one. Also, be sure to neutralize the acid with baking soda or salt before disposing of the battery.
Do Leaking Batteries Still Work?
A leaking battery will not work as well as a good one. The acid can corrode the metal in the battery and cause it not to hold a charge. So, if you see the leakage, it’s time to get a new one.
How Long Does It Take a Battery to Leak?
A battery can leak at any time. However, batteries are more likely to leak when old and damaged. It usually takes 2-3 years to start leaking. But if it is damaged, it can begin seeping much sooner.
Conclusion
A leaking car battery can be a severe problem, but fortunately, it’s usually fixable. Be sure to identify the cause of the leak and take action accordingly. If all else fails, you might have to replace it entirely. But by following these steps, you should be able to fix a leaking car battery without too much trouble. Happy motoring!