At what voltage can a car battery not start the engine?
2 Answers
When the car battery voltage is below 11V, the engine cannot be started. Here is some relevant information about car batteries: 1. A car battery, also known as a storage battery, is a type of battery. Typically, what people refer to as a battery is a lead-acid battery. It is mainly composed of lead and its oxides, with sulfuric acid solution as the electrolyte. The battery is most afraid of low temperatures, as the battery capacity is much lower in cold environments compared to normal temperatures. 2. The working principle of the battery is that during discharge, metallic lead acts as the negative electrode, undergoing oxidation and being converted into lead sulfate; lead dioxide acts as the positive electrode, undergoing reduction and being converted into lead sulfate. When the battery is charged with direct current, lead and lead dioxide are generated at the two electrodes respectively. After the power source is removed, it returns to its pre-discharge state, forming a chemical battery.
I have encountered the issue of a dead battery multiple times. As a driver with years of experience, I believe that if the voltage drops below 12.0 volts, ignition is likely to fail. Last winter, when the temperature suddenly dropped, my battery voltage measured 11.8 volts, and during ignition, I only heard a clicking sound without the engine starting. Fortunately, there was a nearby repair shop that helped jump-start the battery. Low voltage is usually caused by an aging battery or forgetting to turn off the car lights, leading to excessive discharge. I recommend carrying a simple voltmeter and checking the battery voltage monthly, ensuring it stays above 12.4 volts before starting the car for safety. This can help avoid the risk of a breakdown, especially before long trips when battery condition is crucial. Regular charging and maintenance can extend its lifespan, and if the voltage is low, a quick charge can usually resolve the issue.
