Eh Do i need a new battery?

smidgy

Hi,
I was just changing the water for the wipers in the car this morning and noticed a bit of white stuff around the battery. Is this a cause for concern and do I need a new battery?



THanks.

peasant

Yepp that is a cause for concern.

The battery holder seems to be too tight, causing the battery to split and acid leaking out (forming those crystals).

A new one would be a reasonable safety measure.
Try not to damage it once you put the bracket on

EDIT:

If the bracket didn't do that dmage, it might be a case of your alternator overcharging the battery, thus "cooking" it, making it split atthe seams.
Best to get the alternator charge measured before buying a new battery and cooking that as well

Plug

Do you ever need to jump start your car in the mornings?
I have yet to see a Jap or Koreen car without them crystal things on the batterys!

EDIT 6000th. I like watching them zero's turn:pac:

-Corkie-

peasant wrote: »

Yepp that is a cause for concern.

The battery holder seems to be too tight, causing the battery to split and acid leaking out (forming those crystals).

A new one would be a reasonable safety measure.
Try not to damage it once you put the bracket on

EDIT:

If the bracket didn't do that dmage, it might be a case of your alternator overcharging the battery, thus "cooking" it, making it split atthe seams.
Best to get the alternator charge measured before buying a new battery and cooking that as well

Battery case looks pinched by the bracket. I suppose theres no way of sealing up a crack or split like that is their???

Muckie

"Battery case looks pinched by the bracket. I suppose theres no way of sealing up a crack or split like that is their??? "

Its very possible, first clean the battery of the "furring" or
oxidizing battery/metal mix. Next get some silicone sealant
and slowly build up and patch the area.

Really only a "McGyver" job, but if you don't have the money for a new
battery its worth a try.

peasant

Muckie wrote: »

"Next get some silicone sealant
and slowly build up and patch the area.

Is silicone resistant to sulphuric acid? Somehow I doubt that

Muckie

Ah just throwing in my guess, maybe better off with a Halfords
battery get a 3 year coverage on it too.

smidgy

Hi Guys
Thanks for the advice - I have never touched the battery so if the bracket was put on too tight then it would have been done in the factory which would seem unlikely. Might get the alternator charge measured as you suggest peasent and then pop into Halfords

Thanks again

johndaman66

smidgy wrote: »

Hi Guys
Thanks for the advice - I have never touched the battery so if the bracket was put on too tight then it would have been done in the factory which would seem unlikely.

Judging by the way your talking the car is pretty new or at least you've owned it since new but if not could it be the case that the battery had being taken out by a garage for routine maintenance or to be checked?

corktina

id recomend clearing that residue and dousing with water...it will corrode your car in double quick time if left on bodywork

zapata

If the car is starting and driving ok, without any warning light on the dash - why change the battery?
Just remove the clamp and clean using a mixture of baking soda and water. Wear gloves and rinse well after. Don't over-tighten the clamp when putting it back on.

+1. I think the real problem is that dirt buildup on battery is somewhat conductive and resulted a path from + terminal to earth (the bracket). Wash the top of the battery and you should see end of the oxidation.