How to Distinguish Between Good and Bad Car Batteries?
2 Answers
Here are methods to distinguish between good and bad car batteries: 1. Check the battery's observation window which displays three colors: green indicates sufficient charge, black means slightly discharged, and white signifies that the battery is dead and needs replacement. 2. Use a battery tester or multimeter to measure the battery voltage. Normally, the no-load voltage should be around 13 volts, the full-load voltage should not be lower than 12 volts, and the starting voltage should not drop below 9.5 volts. 3. Observe whether there is obvious swelling or bulging on both sides of the battery, or if there are white or green powdery substances around the battery terminals. These signs indicate potential battery performance issues.
To distinguish between good and bad car batteries, based on years of driving experience, first pay attention to the starting condition: if the engine turns quickly and steadily, the battery is healthy; if it drags or fails to start after several attempts, it's likely faulty. Inspecting the battery's appearance is also crucial—look for bulges, cracks, or signs of leakage on the surface, as these indicate internal issues. Additionally, check the production date label, usually marked with a small code. Batteries older than 3 years are prone to aging and failure. It's recommended to regularly test with a simple voltmeter: after parking and turning off the engine, the voltage between the positive and negative terminals should be above 12.6V for a good battery; below 12.4V requires charging; below 12V means immediate replacement. Remember, short-distance driving doesn't fully charge the battery, so occasional long highway drives or monthly charging can extend its lifespan. Clean any corrosion on the terminals and apply anti-rust agent to prevent poor contact and potential malfunctions—safety first.
