BYD Seagull Battery Check: Underbody Scratches Aren't Enough

BYD Seagull traction battery tray: guard scratches don't decide battery safety

Scope: China-mainland 2026 Seagull; official website file 260317; PDF pp. 310–311, 126 and 335–337, "Traction battery tray inspection" and "Driving precautions"

The guard and the battery are different things

The manual notes that the battery sits under the vehicle, warns against knocking it while driving, and includes checks of the tray, guard plate, impact bar and mounting points in the maintenance schedule. The guard plate plays a protective role, but whether its surface is scratched, or whether the car can still be driven, does not on its own show the state of the battery inside or how it is mounted; judging this after an impact needs specific inspection evidence. ^[1]

Maintenance items need the dedicated documents

The maintenance schedule mentions checking the mounting-point torque but gives no torque values there that can be used directly. Technicians need the repair documents and safety conditions for this vehicle and should not tighten anything based on experience with other models. This article gives no procedures for removing the tray, lifting points, isolating power or fitting the battery, and does not assume guard plate compatibility. ^[1]

If there is a risk, stop using the car

After a collision, or if you suspect an underbody impact has damaged the battery, contact roadside assistance and an authorised service centre immediately, and stop using the car until it has been professionally assessed; the absence of leaks or warnings is not clearance. An owner cannot conclude that light scratches on the guard surface mean battery damage, nor can they rule it out. If there is smoke, leaking fluid or an unusual smell, move away from the car and do not touch the fluid. Do not crawl under the car to feel the battery pack, tighten bolts or tape over damage. ^[1]

Sources

[Source 1] BYD China official website: 2026 Seagull Owner's Manual (in Chinese) (public PDF on the official website)
https://www.byd.com/material/domestic-official/user-manual/ocean/2026%E6%AC%BE%E6%B5%B7%E9%B8%A5%E7%94%A8%E6%88%B7%E6%89%8B%E5%86%8C260317.pdf
Verified: 2026-10-03; page publication date not confirmed.

This article contains information-organising suggestions from the editorial team; it is not a manufacturer repair procedure.