Posted on 4/25/2025
Car batteries are generally safe, but when something goes wrong, they can become a serious fire hazard. While rare, battery-related fires do happen, and they’re usually the result of preventable issues—like poor maintenance, damaged components, or electrical system failures. When a battery overheats, leaks, or sparks, it can ignite flammable gases or nearby materials under the hood, putting both your vehicle and your safety at risk. Knowing what causes battery fires and how to reduce your risk is key to keeping your car reliable—and keeping you out of harm’s way. Overcharging and Voltage Issues A healthy battery charges at a controlled rate. But when the charging system malfunctions—typically due to a failing alternator or voltage regulator—it can push too much current into the battery. That overcharging heats the battery up and starts to break down the internal chemicals, which leads to gas buildup, swelling, and sometimes ruptur ... read more