At what voltage does a car battery fail to start the engine?
2 Answers
Car batteries typically fail to start the engine when the voltage drops below 11 volts. Generally, if the load voltage is below 9.5V or the open-circuit voltage is below 11.5V, the engine won't start. Additionally, whether a car can start depends not only on the voltage but also on the battery's load-bearing capacity, which is determined by the internal resistance of the car battery. The functions of a car battery include: 1. Providing power to the starting system, ignition system, electronic fuel injection system, and other electrical components when starting the engine; 2. Supplying power to the car's electrical equipment when the engine is off or at low idle; 3. Acting as a voltage stabilizer for the vehicle's electrical system; 4. Storing excess electricity generated by the alternator.
Last time my car battery had issues, I learned that it basically won't start if the voltage drops below 10.5 volts. The normal value is around 12.6 volts. When it drops to 11 volts, starting becomes very difficult, and below 10.5 volts, the engine simply won't turn over. At that time, I measured it with a multimeter and it was only 9.8 volts—it was really frustrating. The usual causes are battery aging, insufficient charging, or low temperatures. That time, my car was parked for three weeks without use, and the voltage plummeted. Since then, I've made it a habit to drive on the highway for half an hour regularly to recharge or check the voltage every season. Don't underestimate this issue—failing to start not only delays your trip but also damages the starter motor, making repairs more expensive. Get a portable multimeter; you can buy one for just 10 bucks. Check the voltage before refueling for safety. If it's below 11 volts, get it fixed or replaced immediately to avoid breaking down on the road.