How to Deal with the Car Battery Warning Light?
2 Answers
Start the car, and the engine will directly drive the generator through the belt. The generated electricity is then rectified and stabilized before being directly used to charge the car battery. First, use a high current (within the 5-hour rate) to fully charge the battery. Then, discharge 30% of the battery's capacity while ensuring the electrolyte temperature does not exceed 40 degrees Celsius, which helps to remove minor sulfation on the plate surfaces. Repeat this process three to four times to effectively repair the sulfation issue in the car battery.
That time when I was driving on the highway, the battery light on the dashboard suddenly came on. My experience told me this indicated a charging system issue—possibly an alternator failure, aging battery, or loose belt. I immediately turned on the right signal and pulled over to avoid draining the battery if the engine stalled. First, I checked the drive belt in the engine bay for any breaks or looseness. If it was intact, I then looked for loose or corroded battery terminals. I always keep a multimeter in my car, so I measured the battery voltage—normally it should be around 14 volts. If the light stays on, I recommend not risking further driving and calling a tow truck or heading to a repair shop to avoid complete battery failure, which could compromise safety. Personally, I check my battery’s condition every six months, and if it’s over three years old, I consider replacing it preventively.
