How to Determine Battery Performance?
2 Answers
Methods to determine battery performance: As the battery approaches the end of its service life, its primary indication is a decline in power capacity. By checking the voltage and the current during startup, one can accurately assess the battery's condition. A battery is a device that directly converts chemical energy into electrical energy, designed to be rechargeable through reversible chemical reactions, typically referring to lead-acid batteries, which are a type of secondary battery. The working principle of a battery: During charging, external electrical energy is used to regenerate the internal active materials, storing electrical energy as chemical energy. When discharging is needed, the chemical energy is converted back into electrical energy for output, such as the commonly used mobile phone batteries in daily life.
I think the most intuitive way to assess battery performance is to observe changes during daily use. Having driven for over a decade, I've noticed that battery issues usually give warning signs: for instance, the engine becomes particularly hard to start in the morning. What used to ignite with just a turn of the key now takes several seconds, or may not start at all; when driving at night, the headlights noticeably dim, or the dashboard suddenly flickers, all indicating insufficient battery charge. If possible, you can purchase a multimeter to check the voltage yourself. Measure the voltage between the battery terminals when the car is parked—normally around 12.6V. If it drops below 11.8V, you should be cautious. Additionally, batteries tend to weaken more in cold weather, so pay extra attention to starting speed during winter. If you suspect an issue, it's best to take the car to a repair shop for a comprehensive check. They can use professional equipment to test the current and internal condition, preventing breakdowns on the road. Developing good habits is also crucial, like avoiding leaving the car parked for too long and taking it out for a drive periodically, which can extend the battery's lifespan.
