Yes, many car batteries are wet. The most common type of car battery is a flooded lead-acid battery, also known as a wet-cell battery. This type of battery contains liquid electrolyte, requiring occasional maintenance like topping off the electrolyte with distilled water. While a little rain or splashing water won't harm a properly sealed battery, prolonged submersion or significant water exposure can damage the battery and its connections.
Types of Car Batteries and Their Wetness:
- Flooded Lead-Acid (Wet Cell): These are the traditional and most common type. As the name suggests, they contain liquid electrolyte and are considered "wet." [Flooded Lead-acid Batteries (Wet Cell) reference] [Several other references also confirm this]
- Sealed Maintenance-Free (SMF): While these batteries don't require regular topping off of electrolyte, they still contain liquid electrolyte within a sealed case. Although technically "wet," they are designed to minimize electrolyte loss and spillage.
- Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM): These batteries use a glass mat to absorb the electrolyte, preventing spillage. While containing electrolyte, they are less "wet" than flooded lead-acid batteries.
- Gel Cell: Gel cell batteries use a gelled electrolyte, further reducing the risk of leakage compared to flooded lead-acid batteries.
What Happens If a Car Battery Gets Wet?
A small amount of water on the exterior of the battery generally won't cause damage. The battery case is typically plastic and water-resistant. [Reddit r/askcarguys reference] However, water entering the battery itself, particularly into the terminals, can cause corrosion and lead to performance issues or even failure. [Quora reference] If water gets into the battery while the car is running, it could also cause short circuits. [Reddit r/NoStupidQuestions reference]
Maintaining Your Car Battery:
Regardless of the battery type, it's crucial to keep the terminals clean and dry to prevent corrosion and ensure optimal performance. Regular inspection of your car battery is advisable.
