Checking a Car Battery: A Must-Do for Every Driver
While the car battery might seem like an overlooked component of your vehicle, don't let its importance slip under the radar. A faulty battery can leave you stranded, whether at home, at work, or on the road. Regularly checking your car battery can save you from unexpected disappointments. Garrett Tortelli, Senior Category Manager at Batteries Plus, offers some simple tips on how to test your battery at home.
Why Regularly Test Your Car Battery?
It's important to regularly test your car battery to avoid the embarrassment of a flat battery. Testing also helps you catch potential issues before they become big problems. Tortelli points out that there might not be clear indicators when your battery is about to fail. A positive battery test can help you prevent breakdowns.
So, how do you test your car battery at home?
Using a Digital Voltmeter or Multimeter
The easiest way to test a car battery at home is by using a digital voltmeter or multimeter. These tools measure the voltage of your battery, providing crucial information about its condition. You can find both digital voltmeters and multimeters at most hardware stores or online at affordable prices, such as the AstroAI-Multimeter (priced at $12.99) or the KAIWEETS-Multimeter (priced at $15.99).
Here's how Tortelli suggests testing your car battery at home:
Battery Load Testing
First, ensure your car battery is at least 80% charged. Then, attach the positive probe (red cable) to the positive terminal and the negative probe (black cable) to the negative terminal of your battery. A healthy battery should read between 12.4V and 12.8V using a multimeter. If the battery voltage falls below 12V, it might be on its last legs.
Motor Starting Test
After checking the battery voltage, start your car. If driving slowly results in lengthy rotation, it could be a sign that your battery isn't up to its Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) requirements. The CCA specifies a battery's ability to deliver a high current in cold temperatures, ensuring your engine cranks over in freezing weather.
Continuous Running Test
As you drive, keep test the battery voltage with your multimeter. This can help determine if your car's charging system is effectively recharging the battery while you're driving.
When to Get a Professional Battery Test
Regularly testing your car battery is essential, but don't overlook the value of a professional test. According to Tortelli, adding a professional battery test, especially before cold weather, can ensure peak performance for your battery. Consider getting a professional test for:
- Older batteries (over three years)
- Batteries showing signs of weakness (slower engine start, dashboard battery warning light, flickering headlights, or lagging electric accessories)
Professional battery tests go beyond checking volts, testing the charging system, and analyzing the battery's capacity. This comprehensive evaluation can help you decide if your battery needs a charge, repair, or replacement.
And that's it! Testing your car battery at home with a multimeter is an affordable and straightforward way to ensure your car stays reliable. Don't let a flat battery become a nasty surprise on your next journey. Regularly check your battery using a multimeter and make sure it's working optimally.
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