What Should You Do If Your Car Battery Starts Leaking?

Car batteries need to be monitored constantly. If you notice your car battery leaking, take action immediately and do not take it lightly. This guide will tell you the possible reasons for car battery leakage and what you should do when it happens. 

Overuse of car battery

Over time, a car battery uses up all its chemicals, causing it to fail. The car's battery depletes and can no longer keep up with the engine’s demands. This could lead to leakage. 

Don’t overcharge your battery

A car battery can be damaged by overcharging it. Another possible cause of a leaking automobile battery is overcharging the battery. Overcharging your automobile's alternator results in overcharging the battery, which in turn results in overcharging your car.

Cracks in the battery

If your automobile battery has cracks, it could cause it to leak. If your battery shatters, it could leak acid.

Overfilling the battery

Regardless of the situation, recharging the battery is a must. However, if you add too much water, electrolyte levels will expand when water is introduced before charging, which can harm your car battery and cause it to leak.

What Should You Do When a Car Battery Starts Leaking? 

Step-by-step instructions on how to fix a leaky automobile battery are provided below:

1. Make sure that the battery posts are uncapped before you start working on them.

2. Bring a plastic container and transfer the electrolyte from the battery into the container. Battery electrolyte is highly corrosive; thus, you must use caution when transferring it from the battery.

3. Neutralize the sulfuric acid in the plastic container with baking soda.

4. When your automobile battery case is free of liquids, you must sand the cracked region of your battery with sandpaper until the creak is level and smooth to the touch of your palm.

5. Apply the sealant to the cracked area and allow it to dry for a minimum of two hours before touching it again.

6. Recondition the electrolyte in this final step. And you'll also need three cups of distilled water that has been heated to 150 F.

7. Add one cup of Epsom salt to the hot water and let it cool. This completes the bathing process.

8. Fill the electrolyte with the ice-cold water (water that has been dissolved in Epsom salt). And then refill the battery with the electrolyte that has been removed from the battery.

9. To prevent corrosion and rust on your car battery, wipe up any water that may have gotten on the surface of the battery and let it dry completely.

10. Install new caps and tighten them down on the battery terminal posts.

11. Shake and charge the battery for at least 36 hours with the trickle charger for this final step in repairing a leaking automobile battery.

If you see any signs of acid leakage from your car's battery, you must take immediate action. It is possible to fix or dispose of your automobile battery yourself if the issue is not dire enough for you to call in professionals. Have a professional check your car battery if you're experiencing persistent issues to be on the safe side.