Regular testing a car battery is important. Testing a car battery at least twice a year helps in reducing chances of failure. Fully charged car batteries should have above 12.6 volts. The range should be in between 13.7 to 14.7 volts when the engine is running. A multimeter is used to test the car battery.
When using a multimeter, follow the following process
- Turn off the vehicle and all accessories in it
- Disable the ignition engine
- Place the positive multimeter lead on the positive battery terminal and the negative lead on the negative terminal.
- Turn the ignition on for a maximum of 15 seconds and observe the multimeter. If the battery voltage drops below 9.6 volts, this indicates a weak battery.
Replacing car battery
The is no specific time frame of replacing car battery. However, based on time, there have been generalized facts on what is the best time to replace car battery.
In consideration, the life span of a car battery varies on time heat and vibration
Time
Car batteries age over time. Even in ideal conditions, car batteries conditions fade over time, and they have no longer enough power to start the engine.
Heat
Heat facilitates an increase rate of chemical reaction in batteries. It increases the rate of battery degradation. In cooler climates, batteries last longer as compared to batteries in hotter climates.
Vibration.
Vibration too causes physical breakdown of internal battery parts. To minimize this effect special hold down hardware secure batteries in place and prevents them from moving about. Missing or loose holds downs can significantly shorten battery life.
Persistent over charging of vehicles increases the rate at which the batteries age. Allowing the car battery to go dead completely reduces the lifespan of the car battery.
Weak motor vehicle battery warning signs
The starter motor cranks the engine slowly.
Dim incandescent headlights.
Clicking sounds to the ignition.
A failing battery has a problem it will not be fully able to power your vehicles electrical components during ignition.
Always ensure that you have your battery inspected at every oil change to make sure cable connections are clean and tight. Motor vehicle batteries should be tested at least twice a year not only when they have started showing signs of failing.
Are you asking what the is best battery for my car? Here are some of the battery selection tips.
Your type of car, physical size, terminal configuration and the cold cranking amps and reserve capacity are important factors when making a consideration for a car engine. Fitting the wrong car engine can greatly cause damage to the electrical system of your car and damage.
The cold cranking amps is the measure of your battery’s starting power and should always match the standard requirement.\
Reserve capacity measures the time length the battery’s reserve power can hold at a given load.
Car battery maintenance
Weekly drive
Drive your car weekly for at least 30mins.
This ensures the car battery does not go flat.
Check the fluids and car battery test
Types of a car batteries
Battery Type
Batteries are either conventional lead-acid or the more advanced AGM design mentioned earlier. Most cars on the road today use conventional batteries. AGM motor vehicle batteries area viewed to be the best car battery as they are highly spill resistant and better able to handle repeated discharging and recharging in cars that have engine stop-start systems to improve fuel economy.
Conclusion
Always purchase car battery from a high-volume seller with fresh stock. Look for a battery with an extended full-replacement warranty. Quality batteries often offer a free replacement for three years in case of an issue between that period and they are the best car battery