What would you do if your car battery suddenly died in the middle of heavy rain? Would you step out to change it or wait for the rain to stop?
In short, can you change a car battery in the rain? Is that even possible or allowed?
Although it’s quite difficult to change a car battery amid heavy rainfall, trust me, it’s not impossible. Having seen a lot of car owners dealing with dead batteries in the middle of heavy rain, the straight answer to the question is yes.
You can effortlessly replace the dead car battery with a new one even in the rain.
However, you must do it very carefully, or else you may get shocks. This article will discuss the possibility of changing a car battery in the rain and all the factors concerning it.
Contents
Can you change a car battery in the rain?
Yes, you can change a car battery in the rain without any hustle. But listen, be very careful while doing it as there’s a chance that you might get an electric shock.
While changing the battery in wet condition, don’t focus on the dead one; rather, handle the new one carefully. This is because a car battery holds enough power to be fatal if both terminals are touched in drenched conditions. Moreover, completing the circuit somehow is also dangerous.
Even though the battery’s DC is less strong than the AC, it still has abilities to cause damage. The maximum damage caused by a battery is mostly due to the current flowing through it and not its voltage.
Further, a small amount of current might also be present in the water between the terminals, but it will not harm you.
Does rain affect the car battery?
Rainy seasons might relieve your scorched life, but it certainly reduces the lifespan of your car battery. The moisture and humidity present in the atmosphere often cause serious damage to the battery’s internal circuitry.
For once or twice, rain does not affect your battery’s functional ability. Even though it might lead to corrosion, the internal components remain safe. However, the batteries start to malfunction when exposed for a longer time.
Now that you know rain does not affect car batteries, please don’t take them for granted. Take the best care of your battery by fixing it with proper insulation can shield and cleaning it at regular intervals. Besides, checking the battery’s charge with a voltmeter is also necessary.
How to safely change a car battery in the rain?
When handling electronics in wet conditions, safety is a major lookout. So, even if it comes to changing the car battery in the rain, the rule isn’t different. Well, you must follow the following step to conduct the process safely.
Step 1: Pull your car over to the side
Don’t start by changing the battery in the middle of the road. Try to find a shade and pull your car under it. Or even if you don’t, just bring it to a side. Doing so will not hamper the traffic and let you work in your own space.
Step 2: Turn off the engine
Well, I know your car won’t start on its own but turning off the ignition is very important before opening the hood. Failing to do so might result in electric shock.
Step 3: Open the hood and secure it with a tarp
To remove the dead battery, you have to open the hood. However, don’t keep the hood under the rain without a cover. Secure it with a tarp to avoid external damage. In addition, the water-resistant tarp saves the battery from getting wet and prevents you from getting shocked.
Step 4: Disconnect the battery
Yes, you must disconnect the battery before replacing it, as handling electronics in a drenched condition is not a safe choice. Besides, disconnecting will help you proceed without the fear of getting electric shocks.
Step 5: Replace with a fresh battery
Once you remove the old one, it’s time to put the new battery in. However, be careful during the mechanism and, if possible, cover your hands with insulation gloves.
Step 6: Turn on the engine
Finally, it is time to turn on the engine and start your journey again. But before this, double-check if you have fixed the battery properly. Any misconnection can lead to severe damage.
Step 7: Dry the battery later
No, you don’t have to stop there until and unless the battery dies. You can leave it for your work and dry it later. However, don’t forget to dry the battery as the moisture on it may cause a leakage of current amid the cell’s terminals. This may even cause the battery to get discharged.
Can you charge a Car battery in the rain?
Although you can charge a car battery in the rain, it is often recommended not to do so. This is because handling electric appliances in drenched conditions is very dangerous.
Well, the fact that most cars have low voltage electrical systems makes you fortunate enough. Owning it, you can risk charging it in wet conditions with minimal risk of injury. However, following the safety rule while charging the battery in the rain is essential.
Can you jump-start a car in a thunderstorm/rain?
Yes, you can jump-start a car even in a thunderstorm/rain. According to Auto Club spokesman Jeffery Spring, “ Moisture isn’t an issue to jump-start a car”. Well, the most important thing here is to connect the cables in the right order.
Before initiating the jump-starting process, ensure that both cars are turned off. Following this, put the cables accordingly and try to start the car once with the good and bad batteries.
Once started, leave the car running and disconnect the cables in a reverse order that you fixed. Now, drive the car for at least 30 minutes with the dead battery.
You may Also Read: Can You Pass Inspection with ABS Light On
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can a car battery get wet?
A car battery should not get wet as it is made of waterproof polypropylene resin, which is known to keep moisture out. However, if left out in the rain for long hours, there are chances that the terminals and lid may get damaged by water.
Can you supercharge in the rain?
Yes, you can easily supercharge your car in the rain using a Tesla supercharger. These superchargers are designed skilfully to work in every condition.
Moreover, supercharging in the rain is safe with the added protection in both the supercharger and the electric vehicle.
It can rain affect your car battery?
Yes, the excessive humidity in the atmosphere during rain may lead to corrosion, but such a condition does not affect the battery’s efficiency.
Moreover, most car batteries come with proper insulation features and can withstand the damaging effects of rain.
Despite the safety features, don’t keep the battery exposed to rain for a long time, as it can be devastating.
Conclusion
Follow the safety norms, and it’s completely ok to change Or charge a car battery amid the rain.
However, to prevent any such situation, it’s always advised to take precautions beforehand.
Consider checking the battery twice a year to prevent your vehicle stall in the rain. Well, if you find that it can’t hold the full charge for long, try to replace it with a reliable one.
