Why is the voltage of a new car battery low?
2 Answers
Reasons for low voltage in a new car battery: The car has been parked for a long time, causing the battery to lose power, or the battery has reached the end of its service life. The following details the reasons: Car parked for a long time: When the car is in a parked state, the battery will still discharge due to its self-discharge characteristics, even if the battery is not in use. Additionally, most modern cars are equipped with anti-theft systems, which continue to operate while the vehicle is parked and require a certain amount of power supply. Battery reaching the end of its service life: Currently, most private cars use maintenance-free batteries. Wipe the inspection eye on the battery clean and observe the color inside. If it is green, it indicates the battery is normal; if it is black, it means the battery voltage is low and insufficiently charged, which can be resolved by charging; if it is white, it indicates the battery has reached the end of its service life, and the only solution is to replace the battery.
I think the low battery voltage in this new car is likely due to the vehicle sitting idle for too long, causing the battery to naturally discharge. I often encounter this issue with new cars during repairs, especially those stored for extended periods after leaving the factory or during transportation where small components weren't properly turned off, such as interior lights or the anti-theft system quietly draining power. First, check if any electrical devices were left on in the car, like the trunk light, which can easily drain the battery. Then, test the voltage—normally, a fully charged battery should read above 12.6 volts; if it's lower, it indicates the need for charging or checking the alternator. If the new car is frequently used for short trips and the alternator doesn't provide sufficient charge, the battery can easily become depleted. It's best to take a highway drive to recharge or visit a 4S shop for a check-up to prevent the problem from worsening and affecting startup.
