Do car batteries explode? That is the ongoing topic of debate among netizens after photos of a burnt car supposedly caused by a car battery explosion made rounds on social media earlier today.
In a Facebook post by a blogger, a motorist’s vehicle allegedly caught on fire and according to the “initial investigation by car mechanics,” the cause of the incident was “due to battery explosion.” The post also mentioned a particular car battery brand that allegedly spawned similar incidents.
“The battery is AMARON. Marami din nagsasabi na madalas daw mangyari ang pagsabog nang Amaron Battery – Philippines,” the caption read.
The post quickly garnered opposing views from the netizens. Some claimed that they also encountered the same incident while others argued that a faulty wiring had probably caused the car to burst into flames.
Here are some of their reactions:
“Ganyan din po akin. Last 2018 amaron din battery ko muntik nako masunugan. Buti na check ng mekaniko kasi sobrang init na niya at lumabas na tubig or parang gel na ang hirap alisin sa pintura ng hood niya at muntik na nasira ang alternator ko. Kaya never nako gagamit ng amaron battery.”
“sa group page ng mga grab drivers passengers etc. marami na po nagreport na sumasabog nga yang amaron battery.”
“The battery’s plates are still together. Its casing melted from the fire but IT DID NOT BLOW UP. If anything, it’s probably the lousy aftermarket wiring that caused the mishap.”
“I used Amaron in Dubai which is one of the hottest area on the planet, and I have no issues with it. There not even a single report that it explodes.”
To set the record straight, we asked our very own Wheels.ph editor and veteran automotive journalist Manny de los Reyes and here’s what he said:
“That’s faulty wiring. Been writing about cars for 25 years and have operated a car shop. Batteries don’t explode or create fires. Faulty wiring or leaking fuel are always the culprits in engine fires.”
So there you have it. Contrary to others’ belief, car batteries do NOT explode. If a car’s engine bay catches fire, faulty wiring or a fuel leak are always to blame for that. With that in mind, always make sure that your car is in tip top shape before getting behind the wheel in order to avoid this kind of incident.
(Image courtesy of Banat By)