At what voltage will a car fail to start?

2 Answers
KingstonDella
07/25/25 1:02am
When the open-circuit voltage of a car battery drops below 12.2V and the load voltage falls below 9.5V, the vehicle will be difficult to start or may not start at all. Car owners should regularly inspect their vehicle's battery during daily use. Precautions for car battery usage: 1. Monitor the battery's service life. If a car battery has been in use for more than 3 to 4 years, it should be replaced. Over time, the battery's ability to hold a charge diminishes, necessitating timely replacement. Prolonged use may lead to power depletion, preventing the vehicle from starting and affecting normal operation. 2. If the vehicle is left unused for an extended period, fully charge the battery beforehand. Start the vehicle once a month and drive at moderate speed for a while to recharge the battery. Long-term storage may cause power depletion. If possible, remove the battery and store it in a well-ventilated area with moderate temperature. 3. Limit each engine start attempt to 3-5 seconds to avoid damaging the battery. If the vehicle fails to start after several attempts, inspect the ignition system instead of repeatedly trying to start the engine.
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Kylie
08/10/25 4:00pm
As an average car owner, I've experienced the embarrassing situation of a car not starting several times, especially in cold weather when the battery voltage drops quickly. Normally, a fully charged car battery should maintain a voltage above 12.6 volts. If it drops to around 12 volts, starting the engine might become sluggish, like the engine groaning with effort; below 11.5 volts, the risk increases significantly, and it might not start at all. My old car often saw the voltage drop to around 11 volts in winter, with no response at all when trying to start. It's not just about the numbers; aging batteries are the main culprit. I later learned my lesson and started regularly checking the battery's health with a portable voltmeter to avoid morning frustrations. I recommend making it a habit, especially for batteries over three to five years old, and being extra cautious during seasons with significant temperature changes. Don't wait until your car breaks down to regret it—repairs at that point can be time-consuming and laborious.
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