How to Check Car Battery

Sitting in the car, you suddenly realize that the engine does not start and the lights do not come on. After trying to start several times, you should consider whether it is time for the car to need a new battery. Follow the steps below to check the condition of your car’s battery.

Table of Contents

Check battery with voltmeter

Turn off the car switch. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Remove the battery anode cover. Check and clean the poles.

Connect the positive terminal of the voltmeter to the positive terminal of the battery. Usually, the positive end of the voltmeter is red. ^{[2] X Research Source}

Connect the negative terminal of the voltmeter to the negative terminal of the battery.

Check voltmeter. If the battery is in good condition, the voltage (voltmeter reading) will be between 12.4 and 12.7 V. If the voltage is lower than 12.4 V, the battery needs to be recharged. .

If the voltage is lower than 12.2 V, “small current charging” or some form of slow charging should be carried out for the battery. Check back when finished.
If it exceeds 12.9 V, the voltage is too high. Turn on your car’s headlights to reduce the pressure. Too high a voltage can result from the generator overcharging the battery.
Even though you have a voltmeter on hand, you should still check the battery’s ability to supply power.

Check the battery with an electric detector

Remove the battery anode cover.

Connect the positive terminal of the detector to the positive terminal of the battery. Normally, the positive end of the detector is red.

Connect the negative end of the detector to the negative terminal of the battery.

Place the probe tip on the battery anode. Read voltage readings.

Check the readings on the Power Detector. If the battery is in good condition, the voltage should be between 12.4 and 12.7 V.

Check the battery by starting the machine

“Run” the engine again by turning the key switch until the engine starts, hold the key for 2 seconds. Have someone turn on the machine while you check the voltage.

During startup, check the measurement of the Power Detector. It should not be lower than 9.6 V. ^{[3] X Research Source}

A voltage reading below 9.6 V means that the battery has been sulfated and cannot maintain or receive current.

Advice

Most car batteries have a lifespan of 4 to 5 years. In hot climates, the battery life can be as short as 3 years. If charging and notice that the battery has no charge when the vehicle is not running, replace it with a new one.
If purchasing a new battery, be sure to dispose of the old battery in strict compliance with local regulations. Usually, repair centers will take care of this for you.
You can check and charge the battery at local auto repair centers.
Before purchasing a new generator, it is necessary to check the entire system more thoroughly.

Warning

Never attempt to short the battery terminals to avoid serious consequences such as fire, terminal damage or hydrogen explosion.

Things you need

Voltmeter

Steps