What is the normal discharge current for a car?

[WyattLynn]

The normal discharge current for a car is: below 40mA for domestic vehicles, and below 80mA for high-end cars. Set the multimeter to the maximum current measurement range, start the engine, and connect the multimeter test leads in series between the generator line and the battery. The position of the multimeter's pointer indicates the operating current of the car and the discharge current. A car battery, also known as a storage battery, is a type of battery that converts chemical energy into electrical energy. The commonly referred-to car battery is a lead-acid battery, which is mainly composed of lead and its oxides, with a sulfuric acid solution as the electrolyte.

[DelBrynlee]

My car wouldn't start after being parked for a few days. After checking, I found that the normal discharge current is between 20 to 50 milliamps, which is that kind of small current drain. Last time my car sat for two weeks without being driven, the battery died completely. When I measured the current, it was actually 90 milliamps, way above the normal range. The cause might be the anti-theft system or some light not being turned off properly. A simple method is to use a multimeter to measure the battery's negative terminal, turn off the car, wait a while, and then measure again. If the current is too high, it can easily damage the battery, so it's best to go to a repair shop quickly to avoid breaking down halfway. Normally, 20 to 50 milliamps is fine, but there might be differences between new and old cars. Regular checks can save you money on batteries.

[DiElla]

When it comes to discharge current, I love tinkering with cars myself. The normal value is generally between 20 to 50 milliamps. When measuring, turn off all electrical devices, clamp the multimeter to the negative terminal of the battery, and wait a few minutes for the reading. If it's too high, say over 100 milliamps, it might indicate a short circuit or forgotten devices like the radio being left on. When parked, the current is mainly consumed by small things like the alarm system and clock. Occasionally higher readings are fine, but consistently high levels can drain the battery's lifespan. I recommend doing a simple test once a month—the tools cost just a few bucks, and once you learn how, it's super useful.

[VonSarah]

Excessive car discharge current is quite dangerous, the normal range should be between 20 to 50 milliamperes. I've seen cases where a car battery got completely drained after prolonged parking. While normal discharge is minor, exceeding 50mA indicates serious issues - the battery could deplete within days, causing starting problems and increasing breakdown risks on the road. The inspection method is simple: turn off the engine and all electrical devices, then measure the battery current reading. For prevention, installing a battery monitor that automatically alerts about abnormalities can help avoid emergencies.

[MollyDella]

From a cost-saving perspective, the normal discharge current is about 20 to 50 milliamperes. Higher values will increase battery expenses. I test my car every six months by clamping the negative terminal with a multimeter to get the reading. If it's abnormally high, exceeding 60 milliamperes, it might indicate aging wiring with current leakage or a fuse issue. Simple solutions like unplugging unnecessary devices can help. Regular maintenance can extend battery life and save hundreds in replacement costs. Always ensure lights are off when parking, and note that anti-theft systems consume power but within normal limits.