How to Check Car Battery Power?
2 Answers
The method to check car battery power is: observe and check through the battery indicator eye. The main function of the battery indicator eye is to allow the user of the battery to visually see the battery's power storage status. The battery power storage status is mainly divided into three states: green or blue indicates good condition; black or red indicates the need for charging; white indicates the battery needs replacement. A car battery, also known as a storage battery, is a type of battery that works by converting chemical energy into electrical energy. Car batteries are divided into conventional batteries, dry-charged batteries, and maintenance-free batteries. Usually, when people refer to a battery, they mean a lead-acid battery.
To check the car battery's charge level, my most common method is to use a multimeter to directly measure the voltage. After turning off the engine and waiting a few minutes, connect the multimeter probes to the battery's positive and negative terminals. A normal reading should be around 12.6 volts for a fully charged battery; if it drops below 12.2 volts, it indicates the battery is running low. While driving, I also pay attention to the engine's starting response—if the engine cranks quickly and strongly, the battery is usually fine. However, slow or difficult starts are a sign of low charge. Some batteries come with a built-in indicator light, where green means good condition. Batteries are sensitive to temperature, as extreme heat in summer or cold in winter can cause issues, so I check mine monthly to prevent breakdowns. Developing this habit can save money, as replacing a failed battery can cost hundreds and cause inconvenience.
