What to Do When the Car Indicates Low Battery Voltage?
2 Answers
When the car battery voltage is too low, it is advisable to charge it as soon as possible using a portable charger. For a 12V 80Ah battery, the charging method is as follows: Use constant voltage with current limiting for charging. Charge at a constant voltage of 14.8V with a current limit of 20A for 16 hours, followed by a constant current of 4A for 4 hours, totaling 20 hours. Whether the battery is fully charged can be determined by the following phenomena: 1. A large number of bubbles are generated inside the battery, indicating a "boiling" phenomenon. 2. The voltage rises to its maximum value and does not increase further for two hours. 3. The electrolyte level rises to its highest point and does not increase further for two hours. 4. Observe the battery indicator eye; a green color indicates a fully charged state.
If my car displays a warning for low battery voltage, my first thought is not to panic, but to find a safe place to pull over and assess the situation. Typically, there are several possible reasons for this: the battery itself may be too old and worn out—if it's been used for four or five years, it's probably time for a replacement; or the alternator might be faulty and not charging the battery properly; another possibility is frequent short-distance driving, where the battery doesn’t get fully charged before being drained by repeated starts. The steps to handle it are simple: try jump-starting the car using jumper cables connected to another vehicle’s battery, and after starting, drive at high speed for about half an hour to allow the battery to recharge and recover. As a habit, I check the battery’s condition monthly, testing its voltage and inspecting the terminals for corrosion or buildup. When parking, I make sure to turn off all additional electrical devices like the air conditioning and radio. These small habits can extend the battery’s lifespan and prevent major issues. Ignoring low voltage could lead to the car stalling on the road or even cause the electronic anti-theft system to malfunction, so addressing it early is crucial.
