How to test my car battery?

by Driver's Way
1/31/2020 - Pelham, AL

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It’s every driver’s worst nightmare–you go to start up your vehicle only to hear silence or a clicking sound when you turn the key. There could be several issues at play but if you suspect your battery is at fault, our Birmingham used car dealer is here to help with some tips on how to test your car battery.

How To Test Your Car Battery

Before determining if your battery is fully charged, it’s important to wear rubber gloves and safety goggles to protect your hands and eyes from battery acid. Once rightfully equipped, use a voltmeter and follow the instructions below to test your vehicle’s battery:

  1. Ensure the ignition key and all of your vehicle’s lights are off before you begin testing the battery.
  2. Take the red or positive voltmeter test leads and connect them to your car battery’s positive terminals.
  3. Then, connect the black or negative leads to your battery’s negative terminals.
  4. When everything is connected take special care to examine the readings on the voltmeter. Your car battery is generally considered in good condition if the reading is above 12.4 volts, your battery accepts and holds a charge, easily recharges after a trip around the block, and is under four years old. Conversely, your car battery may be on its way out if the reading comes back under 12.0 volts, your battery will not accept or hold a charge, can’t produce adequate cranking amps, or is older than five years of age.

If you find the latter is the case or are simply not comfortable checking your car battery on your own, you can always trust the professionals at Driver’s Way! Our team of trained technicians provide exceptional car battery service and are equipped with the knowledge and specialized tools to ensure you can get back on the Birmingham roads fast!

Visit Our Service Center In Birmingham For Unmatched Auto Repair

The only sure-fire way to detect your car battery’s condition is to test it. If you suspect an issue or need advice from our expert service technicians, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Driver’s Way to schedule a service appointment. No matter your automotive needs, we’re always here to help!

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