My 50Ah Amaron battery is bulging – should I be worried?

hermonwinteringham

This is actually pretty concerning and I'm hoping someone can tell me if I'm overreacting or if this is as serious as I think it is. I was topping up my washer fluid on my 2017 Kia Sportage earlier and happened to glance at the battery, and I noticed that the sides of the case are noticeably swollen and bulging outwards, almost like the battery is about to burst. I've heard that this can happen when a battery gets overheated or overcharged, and given the temperatures we get here in the summer, I'm not entirely surprised, but I'm also really worried about driving the car in this condition because I've read horror stories about swollen batteries leaking acid or even catching fire. I've been trying to find a mobile service that can do a same-day Amaron 50Ah battery change in Business Bay because I work there and I don't really want to drive the car any further than necessary in its current state. Has anyone seen this bulging issue with Amaron batteries before, and is it a sign of a manufacturing defect or just something that happens when they get old in this climate? Also, is it safe to drive the car to a shop if I'm careful, or should I absolutely get a mobile fitting service to come to me? I really don't want to take any risks with this, but I also need to get it sorted quickly because I can't be without my car for work. Any advice on how urgent this is and what I should do next would be really appreciated.

philomenawickett

A bulging battery is not something to drive around with, full stop. The swelling means internal pressure has built up from overcharging or heat damage and the risk of acid leaking or worse increases every time you start the car. Get a mobile service to come to you rather than driving anywhere.

quillonwilcocks

This is almost certainly not a manufacturing defect on a battery that has been through UAE summers. Bulging on lead acid batteries here is usually caused by the alternator overcharging or sustained extreme heat exposure over multiple summers. Worth getting the alternator tested when the replacement goes in.

romillywillcock

Same situation happened with my Sportage last year. Called a mobile service and they were at my office within an hour. Do not attempt to jump start the car or charge the swollen battery, just leave it as is until the technician arrives and let them handle the removal safely.

seymourwilliams

Bulging that severe usually means the battery is beyond warranty claim territory since physical damage from overcharging is typically excluded. Focus on getting it replaced safely and then investigating whether your alternator is pushing too much voltage rather than chasing a warranty replacement.

teresawillyams

To answer your question directly, no you should not drive it any further than absolutely necessary. A swollen battery in Business Bay heat sitting in a parking garage is already under stress. Mobile fitting exists exactly for situations like this, use it.