Last updated on July 13th, 2023 at 05:06 pm
A low or dead battery is frequently the cause of your car not starting. The majority of car owners, on the other hand, do not examine their batteries until they fail. Conducting a car battery voltage test using a voltmeter regularly, at least twice a year, is recommended as preventative maintenance.
While most people understand that vehicle battery are 12-volt DC batteries, there’s a lot more to the story, and a vehicle battery voltage range test may be exactly what you need to learn all the facts about your battery’s overall health.
When you compare the voltage readings of your car battery to the standard battery voltage range for that specific type of battery, you may learn a lot about the present status of your battery and charging system, how likely it is to fail, and how necessary it is to replace it. Guide On AAA Battery Replacement Cost, & Warranty
What is a Good Battery Voltage for a Car?
Measuring the voltage of your car battery can help you figure out how fully charged it is. With the engine running, the optimal automobile battery voltage is between 13.7 and 14.7V. You should receive a reading of 12.6 volts with the engine turned off.
Low or bad battery voltage
If the battery isn’t fully charged, it will drop to 12.4V at 75% discharge, 12V at 25% discharge, and 11.9V when entirely depleted. This information, together with how it relates to the design of your battery, should provide you with some insight into the battery’s operating capacity.
When to Replace a Car Battery Voltage?
Let’s assume your battery consistently measures less than 12V and failed the load test. Is it necessary to replace it? This isn’t a decision you should rush into, especially if your vehicle demands a more expensive battery. You might begin by charging your vehicle or jump-starting it.
If it doesn’t work, you can try topping up the distilled water in your battery for enhanced performance if your battery has access to the cells. If the voltage range of your car battery does not improve, it may be time to start shopping for a new one.
How to Check a Car Battery Voltage
When it comes to testing a car battery, it’s normally best to do it as soon as possible. Nobody wants to break down and spend the entire day stranded on the side of the road due to a dead battery.
Indications That Your Car Battery Is Dying
There are a few indicators that your battery is on its way out. Listed below are some examples:
- The Check Engine Light is illuminated, or you’ve received a “low battery” code. Usually, this is a dead giveaway!
- On a chilly morning, you discover your battery is dead. Everything appears to be in order after gaining a jump. But it does it again the next chilly morning.
- Over time, the vehicle begins to start more slowly. It’s possible that the starter sounds “sluggish” or as if it’s having trouble turning the engine over.
What is the Equipment Required to Check a Car Battery Voltage?
Safety goggles, gloves, a digital voltmeter, and maybe some shop towels are required to check your battery. Keep this kit in your car at all times so you can check your battery when you’re out of town or on the road.
You’ll also need to be in a secure, traffic-free location. NEVER attempt to work on your vehicle just off a major road or anywhere else where a distracted driver may hit you.
The multimeter must be set to 20 volts DC – this is the area of your multi-meter that has the abbreviation V on it on most multi-meters. Ensure that your leads are connected to the right ports.
Where is the Car’s Battery?
Your first task is to locate the battery. Although the majority of automobiles have their batteries under the hood, near one of the fenders, certain models have them beneath the rear seat, in the trunk, or the wheel well.
If you’re not sure where the battery is, consult your owner’s handbook. It will tell you exactly where it is. If the lights and ignition aren’t already turned off, turn them off after you’ve found the battery.
The next step is to connect your digital multimeter’s black lead to the negative battery terminal, followed by the red lead to the positive battery terminal. To rule out the battery and not a faulty connection or cable, try testing on the terminal directly rather than the cables. If you’re having problems, simply remember that red and black go together.
When Completely Charged, How Many Volts Should a Car Battery Have?
Finally, change the voltage to DC and have a look at the result. Your battery is fully charged if the voltage measurement is about 12.66 volts. When the engine is operating, the voltage of a completely charged automobile battery should be between 13.7-14.7 volts. However, do not check the battery while the vehicle is running, as this is more of an alternator test than a battery test.
If your battery voltage is less than 12.66 volts, it is not fully charged or will not retain a charge (or it can mean that the weather is impacting the voltage the battery has). When the temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit, a result of 11.89 volts indicates that your battery is completely dead or 0%. Therefore, everything 12.45 volts or higher is A-Okay!
What is the Best Way to Replace a Car Battery?
It’s time to learn how to replace a vehicle battery now that you know how to examine one. The first and most important step in changing a car battery is to purchase a new one. It’s pointless to remove a faulty battery if you don’t have anything to replace it with.
Purchasing a New Car Battery
Replace your battery with one that is the same size as the one that is now installed. This information is available in your owner’s manual, online (or in “the book” at the parts store), and in your owner’s manual.
Take Out the Old Car Battery
Disconnecting the positive and negative battery wires is the first step in changing an automobile battery. To remove the clamp on the top post (typically at 10mm), you’ll need a ratchet, and to remove the fastener on a battery with side posts, you’ll need an 8mm ratchet.
Clear the Place
To avoid unintended inhalation of caustic chemicals and dirt, the following step necessitates the use of a face mask. You’ll also need a wire brush to scrape the rust and debris off the terminals and ends of your battery wires.
Putting a New Car Battery
Examine your new batteries to ensure it is clean and in excellent working order before installing them. On your new battery, there will be two plastic covers, one on each terminal (at least, there should be). You’ll have to take these tops off.
There may also be some other covers that must be removed before the battery can be properly installed.
FAQ
Is it possible for a 12-volt battery to be bad?
If the voltage does not rise over 10.5 volts when charging a battery, the battery has a dead cell. If the battery is fully charged (according to the battery charger) yet the voltage is 12.5 or below, it is sulfated.
Is It Possible To Recharge A Dead Car Battery?
If your battery is much drained, connecting it to a jump starter or a specialist battery charger either before or after a jump start is your best option. These charging devices are intended to return a dead battery to full charge in a safe manner.
What Is The Life Expectancy Of A 12 Volt Car Battery?
A car battery’s life expectancy is normally four to six years. Weather conditions, vehicle type, and driving patterns are all factors that influence how long your battery lasts. So depending on how you use the battery and the type of battery it is will determine how long it will last, however you should expect to a 12 volt car battery life to range anywhere from 4 to 8 years if well maintained
Conclusion
Electrical gremlins occur in almost every automobile at some point throughout its lifetime. When troubleshooting any difficulties, one of the first things you should do is rule out, or test, the battery.
Load testing your batteries every couple of years is recommended by certainly experienced technicians. This will prevent you from becoming trapped due to a dead battery, which we believe is wise. These pointers should help you stay on the road. At the very least, your brain is likely fully charged after reading all of this.
