How to check a car battery?

You may ask, "Why should I test my battery?" »When a problem occurs, it lets you know its operating and charging status, as well as the status of your alternator... If the problem is with the alternator, battery Replacement may be unnecessary.

🔧 How to check the battery in the car?

Material needed to test my battery

All you need to test a battery is a very simple tool: a multimeter. If you don't have it, it costs about twenty euros in supermarkets or auto centers. This multimeter can be used to measure the current, voltage, power, or even the resistance of your battery. Here we are interested in the voltage of your battery. This will remind you of some college physics classes.

Finally, for your safety, we advise you to wear gloves and safety glasses and remove rings, bracelets and any other jewelry.

Step 1: locate the battery

In the vast majority of cars, the battery is located under the bonnet next to the engine.

Sometimes you find it under one of your seats or in the trunk. To avoid looking for too long, refer to the manufacturer's manual, which is usually found in the glove box, in the same pocket as the service book. If you cannot find this guide, just search the Internet.

Step 2: measure voltage

The meter has several accessories, including two wires, a red and a black one, with a metal tip. The engine is on, connect these wires to the output with a matching color. The tip of the red wire should touch the + terminal, and the end of the black wire should touch -. In the worst case, if you choose the wrong direction, the value will be negative.

Step 3: read your result

Step 4. What if my battery is low?

Charge voltage is higher than 12,4V or 75%, don't worry! On the other hand, at this voltage, it is recommended to charge the battery in one of the following three ways:

• Drive with the engine for at least 15 minutes at a speed of 50 km / h or more;
• Using a charger (let the battery charge overnight);
• Sometimes this service is free in a car center or garage.

The battery may be in poor condition after being charged. To verify this, go through a load tester. If it reads less than 10 V, the battery is approaching the end of its life and it can no longer charge properly. Therefore, you will need to go through the "change battery" field.

If after these tests you find that you still need to replace the battery, know that this operation can be performed at the best price in one of our reliable garages.

🚗 How to check a car battery if you don't have a multimeter?

It is difficult to test a battery without a multimeter. You can buy it for about twenty euros from your garage or supermarket. Some mechanics even agree to take the test for free.