What is the method for testing battery voltage?
2 Answers
Testing battery voltage can be done by: 1. Using a voltage tester or multimeter; 2. Using a car charger adapter with a display showing voltage values. Battery maintenance methods include: 1. Regularly cleaning the battery; 2. Avoiding the use of electrical devices when the engine is off; 3. Periodic battery replacement; 4. Regularly starting the car. The functions of a car battery are: 1. Providing power to the starting system, ignition system, and electronic fuel injection system when starting the engine; 2. Supplying power to car electrical devices when the engine is off or at low idle; 3. Assisting in power supply when electrical demand exceeds the generator's capacity; 4. Stabilizing voltage to protect electronic equipment in the car.
As an ordinary person who drives to work daily, checking the battery voltage has become a small habit in my routine maintenance. I often use a multimeter for this simple procedure: first, turn off the engine and ensure all electrical devices are switched off. Then, take out the multimeter, set it to the DC voltage 20V range, connect the red probe to the positive terminal of the battery, and the black probe to the negative terminal. The display will then show the specific voltage reading. A healthy battery should display between 12.4 and 12.7 volts, indicating sufficient charge; if it reads below 12.2 volts, the battery might be undercharged, requiring a recharge or further inspection. I like to spend a minute or two doing this weekly, especially when the weather turns cold, as batteries tend to drain faster. Early detection helps avoid the embarrassment of a car that won’t start. The tool isn’t expensive—a multimeter costs just a few dozen bucks and is convenient to keep in the car. Since adopting this habit, I’ve never faced sudden breakdowns, which gives me much more peace of mind. Additionally, recording each voltage reading helps me track the battery’s health and prevent unexpected failures.
