
The battery breather pipe is a small tube that helps to ventilate the battery compartment and prevent the build-up of dangerous gases. It is usually located near the battery, and its purpose is to allow fresh air to enter the battery compartment, while allowing any gases that build up inside to escape.
Full Answer
What is a battery vent tube?
The battery is an essential component of your vehicle, but it does contain potentially hazardous gases that cannot infiltrate the cabin. A battery vent tube is attached to the battery so it can expel those gases out into the open air away from the car.
How does an oil breather tube work?
Engines and moisture don’t mix, so getting rid of the harmful water vapor and any liquid water is important for keeping the engine safe and reliable. That’s done through the oil breather tube, a section of plastic or metal tubing that comes out of the engine and vents through to the outside.
Why is the breather tube held back on a motorcycle?
But most is held back because in many applications the tube goes “uphill” for a bit before routing through the cowling and coming out the bottom. Look low. Really low. That small metal or plastic tube extending out of the cowling is the engine’s breather tube.
What is the purpose of a battery vent?
The battery is an essential component of your vehicle, but it does contain potentially hazardous gases that cannot infiltrate the cabin. A battery vent tube is attached to the battery so it can expel those gases out into the open air away from the car. Loading...

Is battery vent tube necessary?
For vehicle applications that have the battery installed inside the passenger compartment of a vehicle, it is imperative the battery be vented properly. For those applications that have a single vent tube, the opposing vent opening on the battery cover must be plugged with the included vent hole plug.
What is the vent tube for on a car battery?
0:040:25battery vent tube - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThat cannot infiltrate the cabin a battery vent tube is attached to the battery. So it can expelMoreThat cannot infiltrate the cabin a battery vent tube is attached to the battery. So it can expel those gases out into the open air away from the car.
What does a battery breather do?
The battery vent elbow is a small plastic piece that sits on top of the battery. It's there to help vent the battery gases so that they don't build up and explode.
How important is battery vent?
For flooded, lead-acid, and AGM batteries, proper ventilation prevents the buildup of hydrogen gas, keeping the air around your battery and your vehicle fresh, clean, and breathable. Proper battery ventilation also helps prevent damage and, more importantly, explosions.
Where does battery vent tube go?
0:174:35Battery Vent Tube Testing - The Battery Shop - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipActually have vent holes one on each side and this of course is where the vent tube. Goes the ventMoreActually have vent holes one on each side and this of course is where the vent tube. Goes the vent hole on the other side of the battery will have a plug in it.
Do all batteries have a vent?
In general, there are two main types of deep-cycle batteries: lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries. These vary in their technology. Flooded lead-acid batteries (which require venting) are a sub-division of lead-acid batteries as are sealed lead-acid batteries (which do not require venting).
What does a breather do on a car?
Your vehicle's intake has a number of rubber lines and hoses attached to it that are open to the atmosphere. Air breather filters for cars and trucks prevent contaminants from making their way into your engine's intake and crankcase.
What does venting a battery mean?
A vented cell battery uses a pressure release valve to allow the gases produced during its normal operation to vent into the atmosphere to avoid rupture of the cell case. There are many different kinds of vented cell batteries, including: Air Depolarized Zinc with Mercury.
Do AGM batteries have vent tubes?
As stated, AGM batteries do not require venting. Just so y'all understand - In normal operation an AGM battery does not vent. They are VRLA.
Do sealed batteries need venting?
Does a Sealed Battery Need To Be Vented? Even though they don't release gasses on a regular basis, an SLA battery can still vent during certain situations. If the battery is overcharged, it can boil the electrolyte inside, producing too much pressure for the battery to hold onto.
What happens if you don't vent your car battery?
No, a battery under the hood does not need to be vented. The battery produces gasses that can build up and explode if not vented, but the battery is sealed and does not produce these gasses.
Do battery chargers need ventilation?
Batteries are used in a wide variety of vehicle and stationary applications. Large industrial facilities (e.g., warehouses) have designated battery charging areas, most of which require adequate ventilation to exhaust the hydrogen gas that is released during charging.
Why is the breather tube held back?
But most is held back because in many applications the tube goes “uphill” for a bit before routing through the cowling and coming out the bottom. Look low. Really low. That small metal or plastic tube extending out of the cowling is the engine’s breather tube.
What is a whistle slot in a breather tube?
Many breather tubes have a smart and simple way to counteract a blockage. Called a “whistle slot,” the manufacturer will cut a small slice in the tube. When the tube becomes pressurized, the slice allows air to escape.
What happens if a breather tube is blocked?
If a breather tube is blocked, ice is usually the culprit. On cold days, bend down and check the tube to ensure it’s completely clear of ice. If there’s ice present, make sure to get rid of it before starting up. Many breather tubes have a smart and simple way to counteract a blockage.
Why do Volvo batteries have vent tubes?
This is to prevent the possibility of an explosion. Remember, ALL lead-acid automotive batteries vent hydrogen gas, and hydrogen gas is very explosive. For that reason, Always replace your battery with one that utilizes a vent tube and be sure the vent is clear and vents to the outside air.
Why do batteries have vents?
Your Battery has a vent tube in fact to vent any gases or vapors to the outside of the car. If your battery was to be overcharged it creates hyrogen gases which is explosive. If you buy a quality battery it should have a vent tube. Cheaper box store batteries tend to use "one size fits all" mentality which in this case may be a bad idea.
Does the PEP-Boys battery have a vent tube?
I want to swap the battery but I noticed that the battery has a vent tube. I guess it is because it is in the cabin and that makes sense. But when I go to get a new battery from any of the auto-part shops like pep-boys there is not battery with a vent tube.
What to do if your battery doesn't mount in the trunk?
If it ain't mounts in the trunk you should be buyng sealed batteries anyway.
Can you put a battery in the engine bay?
Yeah, if it's in the engine bay, it'll be exposed to the open air and will be just fine. Those tubes are for cars like Miatas that house their batteries in a more air-tight part of the car like the trunk.
Is it bad to put a battery in a car on Jay Leno's garage?
I saw a car on Jay Leno's Garage, a few cars actually, and he mentioned that if the battery is in the trunk and not a sealed batter, though I suppose the vents will work, it could mess up the paint. That's bad. Especially if it's a custom painted hot rod.
Can you block gas vents on a car?
As for the vents on the battery itself, as long as they aren't blocked so nothing comes out, you'll be fine if it's in the engine bay. Blocking them doesn't let gas escape. I shouldn't have to tell you why that's bad.
Do Canadian batteries have vent tubes?
Okay - all the Canadian stores sell batteries with *two* vent tubes instead of the *one* the stock has.
Can you reuse the plug from the OEM battery?
just plug it like the OEM one. In fact I reused the plug from the OEM battery on the new batery
