To find out what’s wrong with your automobile if it overheats, jerks, or stops unexpectedly while you’re driving, you must first check the battery.
The battery is the engine’s primary power source; any damage done to it will directly impact the vehicle’s performance.
In light of this, you should fix a leaky automobile battery as soon as possible to prevent any negative effects.
This comprehensive guide will allow you to examine every aspect of the causes and solutions for your car battery leakage.
But you must first understand the reasons for it before moving on to the remedy. Let’s look at it now.
What Are The Causes Of The Leaking Car Battery?
If you find that your battery is leaking, you need to take action right away. Car batteries typically leak when they become too old or are damaged.
Below, we’ve listed a few causes of leaking car batteries so you can figure out what can be the origin of this growing issue:
1. An Overcharged Battery:
Excess to everything is terrible. The same rule applies to batteries. When a battery is regularly overcharged, the electrolyte begins to boil, which results in vent caps leaking.
Your battery terminals may also corrode and rust more quickly for this reason. The battery’s internal gases occasionally build up to the point where they can explode.
But why does the vehicle’s battery overcharge?
Your battery may have been overcharged as a result of the alternator in your automobile malfunctioning. But thanks to modern technology, it rarely happens to new batteries.
By keeping you informed about the battery’s capacity and helping you prevent overcharging it, smart battery chargers can decrease your suffering.
2. Your Battery is Old:
The adage “OLD IS GOLD” might not be applicable to batteries. They don’t last forever, but they do have a set operating life.
For instance, automotive batteries typically last between three and five years. Your car’s battery may be leaking if it has beyond its typical lifespan.
You have to replace it with a new one to get better results.
3. Weather Problems
Extreme cold might freeze your battery’s liquid, preventing it from operating smoothly and expanding the housing.
This permanent alteration may break the case’s top or sides and harm the seal.
To prevent the battery from leaking, additional care must be taken with it.
4. Overfilling The Battery
If you go over the line, you will face consequences. The same applies to batteries.
If you add water to the battery over its limit, its electrolyte will expand and cause the battery to leak from the vent caps.
You must maintain a temperate atmosphere and add water as the battery requires. Overfilling will not only do more harm than good.
5. Cracks In The Battery
When cracks are evident, it is obvious that the automobile battery has a leak.
Extreme weather and significant shaking, which may result from traveling across rugged terrain, are the causes of battery cracks.
The fluid in the battery leaks when it is operating because it finds its way through the fractures.
It is advised to exercise extra caution when traveling through difficult terrain, particularly if your car has poor suspension.
By now, you must have got an idea about the reasons that cause your battery to leak. Let’s examine a solution in case you ever encounter this issue.
How Do You Fix A Leaking Car Battery?
Fortunately, by following the straightforward instructions below, you can fix a leaky automobile battery. Here’s how you can do it.
What you need:
To complete your work successfully, you must assemble some tools. Mentioned below are their names.
- Plastic Bin
- Epsom Salt
- Baking Soda
- Sealant
- Sandpaper
Step 1: Uncap the posts
The battery posts need to be uncapped as the first step. After doing so, carefully pour the battery electrolyte into the plastic container.
Take extra precautions when transferring battery electrolytes because they are acidic.
Step 2: Put Baking Soda
Baking soda placed in the plastic trash can will help to neutralize the sulfuric acid on the battery electrolytes.
Step 3: Sand and Seal The Cracked Areas
Water should be drained from the battery shell, and then the cracked portions should be sanded with sandpaper until they are smooth to the touch.
In order for the sealant to properly dry, apply it to the cracked areas.
Step 4: Make a Solution
You have to make a water solution with Epsom Salt in this step. First, heat the three cups of water to 150°F, dissolve the Epsom salt, and then allow the mixture to cool.
Step 5: Clean and Transfer the Electrolytes
You must pour the water and Epsom Salt on the electrolytes and wait for some time.
Once they are cleaned, fix them back on the battery. Water can cause rust, corrosion, and rust on the battery surface, so keep it dry.
Step 6: Replace The Caps
Put the caps back on and secure them firmly to the battery.
Your battery no longer leaks, but to completely charge it, you must shake it vigorously for five minutes and use a trickle charger for 36 hours.
Conclusion:
If left unattended, automobile battery leaks can have a positive impact on how well your vehicle performs.
And, to help you in that regard, we have thoroughly explained the causes and solutions to the car battery leaking problem.
If your car battery is leaking, we hope this post can assist you in fixing it. If so, be sure to visit some other fascinating sites.
