How to check the electricity consumption in a car? Insure yourself against battery discharge!

Whether the battery is usable for a long time, the main influence is the current consumption when the car is parked. If its value is too high, the energy storage device will stop working much earlier than the car owner expects. From our article you will learn how to check the electricity consumption in your car and other useful information!

Methods for checking electrical circuits

One is to use a simple test light that is connected between the live wires of the circuit and ground. Unfortunately, the data obtained only allow us to find out if there is power supply to the checkpoint.

A much more accurate solution is a measuring device. It indicates the level of voltage reaching the battery and also checks the resistance of the circuit or energy storage. A device for measuring the maximum current consumption is also called a multimeter. It is worth learning more about how the device works.

Multimeter - a device that allows you to measure current

Multimeters should be in stock at any good auto parts and accessories store. Thanks to them, you can use a number of different functions and reliably check the car's electrics - radio, headlights, alarms or other equipment.

Cars use direct current - DC. The multimeter allows you to check the readings of current, consumption and resistance. Devices available in automotive stores may also be equipped with other options. The multimeter settings often allow you to measure the speed of the motor as well as the angle of the arc.

When using a multimeter, be sure to zero it before each test. This is especially true when the device is used to measure low resistances. It is also important not to use a moving pointer meter to test electronic components when using the meter function. This should not be done, because it can be overloaded and damaged. Instead, it is better to use a digital counter.

How to use a multimeter correctly - step by step

When using the instrument, remember to connect the meter probe correctly. Battery voltage is measured by connecting a multimeter to two terminal blocks. You can then check the resistance in the high voltage circuit by feeling both ends of the cable. The output current of the generator or dynamo is recorded by a meter connected to the bypass cable. The voltage on a coil or other circuit is tested by connecting one side of the multimeter probe to the circuit and the other to ground.

What should be remembered when using a multimeter?

Make sure the meter wires are connected correctly. It depends on the polarity of the car. If the car has a negative mass, it is necessary to connect the negative wire to the body. On the other hand, with a positive ground, the cable must be secured to the housing with a positive symbol. The polarity of your vehicle can be checked in the vehicle owner's manual.

Before you decide to install a negative or positive clamp, make sure that it will not come into contact with a surface covered in rust or paint. This may distort the meter reading. If the measurement takes place in the engine compartment under the hood of the car, it is best to connect the cable to the battery ground terminal.