Why do car batteries leak?

Extreme levels of cold can cause the car battery acid to freeze and prevent the battery body from expanding, resulting in battery leaks. When the battery body can't expand as it should, it puts pressure on the battery cells, causing further damage.

How to deal with a leaking car battery?

If you don't want to deal with a leaking car battery, you need to take care of it. For starters, purchase the right battery for your vehicle. For example, if you live in an area with harsh winters, you want the best car battery for cold weather. Additionally, you don't want to overcharge the car battery.

How can I tell if my car battery is leaking acid?

Corrosion around your car battery terminal cabs is the most common and easy to detect sign that your battery is leaking acid. Stay away from corrosion as leaked acid is harmful to your health. If your battery looks unusual when you open your car’s hood, it may be leaking acid.

What does a leaking car battery smell like?

The smell that often accompanies a leaking automotive battery is that of sulfuric acid. This smell, much like any attributed to a sulfur-derived chemical, is quite similar in nature to the smell of rotten eggs. The more severe the release of sulfuric acid, the more pungent this odor will be.

Can a leaking car battery explode?

Though rare, yes, it’s possible for a leaking car battery to explode. A couple instances can be found here and here. This can occur due to overcharging, which causes the electrolyte solution inside the battery to boil.

What happens if a battery is leaking?

When acid leaks from the battery, it causes corrosion. This condition is most often seen around the terminal caps. The leaking lead battery produces hydrogen sulfide gas, which often resembles rotten eggs. Some people also claim it smells like sewer water. The battery could vent the hydrogen sulfide gas when there is a lot of pressure put on it.