What should I do if my car battery starts leaking?

Car batteries are generally resilient parts that last a long time when maintained the right way. In hotter climates like in the Philippines, the typical auto battery would last you three years, or four if you're lucky. That said, your battery isn't impervious to damage, particularly leaks.

Whatever you drive, be it a small hatchback like the Kia Picanto or a midsize SUV like the Nissan Terra, you're bound to encounter a leaking battery at one point or another. It's not terribly likely, especially if you're a good car owner, but it's helpful to know what to do when it happens.

If you're doing a routine check or you suspect a leaking battery, these are the signs you should check out:

• Battery casing cracks of any size
• Fluid trickling down cracks
• Cracked or damaged vent caps
• Bubbling liquid flowing from vent caps
• Deformed, warped, or visibly damaged battery casing

If you see any of these signs in your car's battery, it could be a cause for immediate replacement. Don't wait until another component becomes damaged. Car batteries have sulfuric acid, and this can be dangerous. Left unchecked, the acid will cause corrosion by oxidizing other parts and causing untold damage. 

Its vapor is also a potent respiratory irritant that can cause fatal conditions such as pulmonary edema. Don't even think about skin contact, as sulfuric acid can cause severe burns and even tissue damage. So, don't try to drive around with a damaged car battery. It's not worth it, and it can cause more trouble than it's worth. When in doubt, replace the battery and call it a day.

Many car batteries today boast of being "maintenance-free." These are the sealed variety that promises a better ownership experience. Sealed batteries are distinct from conventional flooded batteries in that their chemical makeup is slightly different. Sealed units consume significantly less water than flooded batteries, so there's typically no need to top them off with water regularly.

Sealed batteries only contain enough liquid to enable the electrolytes to flow and build power. That means considerably less maintenance work and a better ability to function well in different climates. However, sealed units are not without their disadvantages. These batteries tend to not last as long as their flooded counterparts, meaning you'll likely have to replace yours more often. 

Like regular flooded batteries, sealed batteries are not invincible. A sealed unit can and will leak acid with enough damage, and when this happens, there's nothing else to do but replace it.

So, whichever type of battery you have on your car, it's clear that leaks are always possible. Battery acid leaks are corrosive and yes, explosive. A leaking battery can catch fire at any moment, and nobody wants that. As we mentioned, don't try to salvage a damaged battery. The best course of action is to replace it with a brand new unit that will keep you safe and serve you well.