What Causes Car Voltage to Exceed 15?
2 Answers
Possible reasons include battery overcharging or voltage regulator damage. Normal car voltage should be around 10V, and immediate repair at a service center is recommended. Regular maintenance of the car battery can extend its lifespan. Below are some battery maintenance methods: Regular Battery Cleaning: Daily car usage requires attention to the battery's condition. Over time, dust, powder, grease, and other contaminants can accumulate on the battery. To ensure proper functioning, promptly clean the battery terminals and remove dirt from the positive and negative connectors to prolong its lifespan. Avoid Prolonged Parking: When the vehicle remains unused for extended periods, the battery undergoes self-discharge. This can lead to severe power depletion when the owner attempts to use the car, rendering the battery inoperable. Therefore, it is advisable to start the car once a week and drive it briefly to maintain sufficient battery charge.
I was once startled when the voltage gauge in my car jumped above 15V while driving. This is usually due to a faulty voltage regulator in the alternator, which fails to control the charging process, leading to overvoltage. Normally, the operating voltage should be between 13.5 to 14.5V. Excessive voltage can cause the battery to overheat and age faster. In severe cases, the battery may bulge or even emit smoke, especially during hot summer days when the engine compartment temperature is high. Later, I learned to use a multimeter to test it myself and found that the regulator was indeed faulty. After replacing it with a new part, the issue was resolved. I recommend car owners to regularly check their charging systems and not wait until problems arise to fix them. Otherwise, repairing other electronic components like the audio system or ECU could cost much more. Remember, safety comes first. It's best to check the voltage before long trips to avoid being stranded halfway.
