What is the voltage and ampere rating of a car battery?
2 Answers
For gasoline-powered cars, the battery is typically 65AH, while for trucks it's 100AH. Diesel engines usually require 150AH or 200AH batteries. Most vehicles use a 12V battery (single battery), whereas large trucks may have a 24V system (two batteries connected in series). To maintain your car battery, avoid leaving the vehicle parked outdoors for extended periods. If long-term parking is necessary, remove and store the battery to prevent freezing damage. Additional tips: Car engines are harder to start in winter. Each starting attempt should not exceed 5 seconds, with at least 15 seconds between attempts. If the engine fails to start after multiple attempts, check other systems such as the electrical circuit, ignition coil, or fuel system. Avoid continuous starting attempts as this may cause battery damage due to excessive discharge.
The voltage of a car battery is generally 12 volts, which is like the basic pressure level of the battery. Ampere refers to ampere-hours, abbreviated as Ah, indicating the battery's capacity. From my experience, most small cars use batteries with an Ah range between 45Ah and 70Ah. For example, my family sedan uses a 60Ah battery. This value is influenced by the vehicle size—larger SUVs with bigger engines may require 80Ah or more to support additional electrical equipment. In daily use, the Ah value determines whether the car starts easily after overnight parking; neither too high nor too low is ideal, and choosing one that matches the factory specifications is the safest. I've also learned that regularly checking the voltage with a multimeter can prevent sudden breakdowns, especially during winter when insufficient Ah makes starting difficult. When replacing the battery, don't opt for cheaper, lower-spec options to avoid long-term damage to the electrical system.
