Posted on 4/25/2025

Car batteries are taken for granted—until something goes wrong. While it's rare, a car battery that overheats or catches fire is a serious risk. These types of failures don’t just kill the battery; they can damage your electrical system, start an engine fire, or put you in real danger. So, what actually causes a battery to get that hot? And how can you prevent something this extreme from happening to your vehicle? Let’s take a closer look at why batteries overheat and what steps you can take to avoid the worst-case scenario. Overcharging and Voltage Problems One of the most common reasons a car battery overheats is overcharging. When too much current flows into the battery—usually due to a faulty alternator or charging system—it produces excess heat. Over time, this heat can cause the battery to swell, leak, or even vent flammable gases. In severe cases, this buildup of gas and heat can result in a fire, especially if there’s ... read more