How to Check the Battery Level Display of a Car Battery?
3 Answers
The battery level can be observed through the inspection eye. Battery status indicators: green or blue indicates good condition, black or red indicates the need for charging. White indicates that the battery needs replacement. On the top of the battery, there is a small glass window that displays the color. Green is optimal, blue is medium, and red is poor. Most batteries used today are maintenance-free. Due to their structural advantages, maintenance-free batteries consume very little electrolyte and generally do not require the addition of distilled water during their lifespan. They also feature resistance to vibration, high temperatures, compact size, and low self-discharge. Their service life is typically twice that of conventional batteries.
I usually drive a used car and pay close attention to the battery level. Using a multimeter is the most accurate method: after turning off the engine, open the hood, locate the battery's positive terminal (marked with a plus sign) and negative terminal (minus sign), then touch both ends with the multimeter's red and black probes. Read the voltage: above 12.6V means full charge, 12.4V is normal but slightly low, and below 11.9V is dangerous—charge immediately or replace the battery. Remember to set the multimeter to DC voltage mode during operation, and avoid wearing metal jewelry to prevent short circuits. I check it once a month to avoid the annoyance of not being able to start in the morning. An aging battery can also affect the air conditioning and lights. Replacing a new battery isn’t expensive—just a few dozen bucks. Regularly testing the voltage has saved me a lot of trouble.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I most commonly check the battery level using the small inspection window on it. Pop the hood, and you'll usually find a transparent viewing hole on the battery where the color indicates its status: green means sufficient charge, black means it needs charging, and colorless or white means it's time for a replacement. No tools required – super simple and convenient. Every time I wash my car or top up the windshield washer fluid, I take a quick glance. If the color turns black, I just drive around for a while to recharge it. Maintaining battery health is crucial; otherwise, you might face hard starts in winter or dangerous stalling on the road. Replacing a battery is straightforward too – just buy the same model, and it won't take much time. Remember not to leave your headlights on for too long when parked, as they drain the battery quickly.
