How to Deal with Abnormal Car Voltage?
3 Answers
Listen carefully for a "hissing" sound from the engine. If present, it indicates the vehicle battery is dead, and you should charge the car battery promptly. Test both the car battery and alternator to see if they are functioning properly. If either the car battery or alternator is found to be damaged, replace them immediately. If the car displays a low battery voltage but can start normally, the issue is minor, and the owner can disregard it.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I once encountered a situation where the voltmeter was fluctuating erratically and the headlights were flickering. I immediately pulled over to check the battery terminals, but cleaning the corrosion didn't help. Later, at the repair shop, tests revealed that the alternator voltage regulator had failed, causing excessive output that damaged some wiring. I usually carry a multimeter with me, and when I measured the voltage exceeding 14V, I knew the issue was with the charging system. My advice for similar situations: don't push your luck—first, check the battery voltage; normal range is 12-14V, and if it's outside this range, don't drive. Before replacing parts, ensure safety to prevent electric shock. Voltage abnormalities can easily lead to breakdowns or lights going out, so developing a habit of regularly checking the battery can save you a lot of trouble.
I usually drive to and from work, and abnormal voltage can be quite scary. The lights may dim or the engine starts sluggishly. In my case, it was due to an aging battery causing low voltage. Simple solutions: check if the battery terminals are loose or corroded, clean them and try again; if that doesn’t work, use a multimeter (you can buy one online for just a few bucks) to measure the voltage—below 12V means the battery is drained and needs replacing; if it’s too high, it might be an alternator issue—don’t try to fix it yourself, just head straight to the repair shop to save time and money. The key is not to ignore the problem, otherwise the car stalling midway is even more dangerous. Sharing this to wish everyone safe travels.
