How to Confirm a Dead Battery?
2 Answers
Methods to determine if the battery is dead are as follows: 1. Failure to start: The most obvious sign is the inability to start the car, with the engine making a squealing noise when attempting to ignite. 2. Check the battery's inspection hole: Green indicates good condition, while black signifies an issue. Generally, there will be instructions on the battery's surface. 3. Warning lights illuminate: The battery warning light and engine warning light on the dashboard will light up. 4. Voltage abnormality alert: If the vehicle has a voltage monitoring system, it will alert you to voltage abnormalities. Precautions for using a car battery are as follows: 1. Turn off all electrical devices: Always switch off headlights, car audio, and other electrical equipment when turning off the engine and exiting the vehicle. Most cases of battery depletion occur because headlights are left on after the engine is turned off. 2. Regularly check the battery's condition: The typical lifespan of a car battery is around 4 years. Once it reaches this age, it should be inspected promptly. 3. Unplug all electrical outlets in the car: For devices plugged into the cigarette lighter socket, it's best to unplug them after exiting the vehicle. If the car will not be used for an extended period, it's advisable to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
Hey, my car wouldn't start last morning, the ignition sounded as weak as a mouse squeak, and the dashboard lights were extremely dim. I first tried turning on the interior lights to check their brightness, which was insufficient, so I knew the battery might be dead. Then I borrowed my neighbor's multimeter to measure the voltage, and it read only 11.2V—normally it should be above 12.5V. After charging, the car started right up. It's advisable to always keep a voltmeter handy or download a battery testing app to regularly check the battery's health, so you don't end up stranded on the roadside wasting money like I did. I also learned a trick: check if the headlights turn off automatically after parking; if not, it's a warning sign.