It’s important to regularly test your car battery and electrical system, even when there’s no indication of weakness. This should be done twice a year, either on your own or by a trusted mechanic, in order to reduce the risk of failure. Face it, the last thing you want to worry about is getting stranded somewhere when your car doesn’t start!
When fully charged, automotive batteries should measure 12.6 volts or above. When the engine is running, however, the measurement should be 13.7 to 14.7 volts. If you don’t own a multimeter to tell you the voltage of your battery, you can test your electrical system by starting the car and turning on the headlights.
If they appear dim, this shows that the lights are running off the battery and little or no charge is being produced by the alternator. If the lights get brighter as you rev the engine, this indicates that the alternator is producing some current, but it might not be enough to keep the battery properly charged. If your lights have normal brightness and don’t change intensity when the engine is revved, it’s likely that your charging system is functioning properly.
If you’ve been experiencing issues with your battery system and the headlights are functioning normally, you should check whether or not the battery is holding a charge, or if something is discharging it.
If you suspect that you have a problem with your car battery or electrical system, visit our service center in Pelham and our knowledgeable technicians will gladly help you out! If you have any questions, or would like to set up a service appointment, don’t hesitate to contact our service department directly at (205) 271-6738.