How to gauge the performance of a car battery

The only way to gauge a car battery's performance is to test the voltage output it is offering. The output voltage levels that it provides with and without load can give you an idea of battery health. Here is a step wise procedure explaining MF car battery testing.

Step 1: Safety First

Handling car batteries can be hazardous, with sulfuric acid being the operating chemical inside them. Ergo it's essential that you wear protective gloves, clothing and safety goggles. That way, you are well protected from any electrical hazards that might possibly occur.

Step 2: Disconnect Car Battery

So to test a car battery, arm yourself with a voltmeter and set the dials on the 0-50 V range. Disconnect the battery from the car connections by following the details in the car manual to the word. While doing so attach a 9V alkaline battery to the car PCM as otherwise it loses its programmed settings.

Step 3: Connect Voltmeter With Battery Terminals

Connect positive red lead of voltmeter to positive of battery terminal and the black lead to the negative terminal. Check the voltage level. If it's in the range of 12.6 to 12.8, your battery is doing well and adequately charged. Anything below that, like 10 V or lower, means that the battery is in need of charging, and you might want to check the alternator.

Step 4: Test Voltage Output Without Load

Now reconnect the battery and start the car. Keep it in idling mode and check the voltage reading between same points again. If it is around 10V, then the battery is okay. Anything below 10 V means that either the car battery needs charging, or some other problems are causing the voltage decline.

Step 5: Check Battery Fluid Levels

Next thing to check is the fluid levels in your car battery. To do this you must disconnect the battery again of course. Open up the battery cover and peep into the compartments of cells inside. The electrode plates should be submerged in the electrolytic fluid. If they are not, you must add distilled water to the cell compartment only uptil the fluid level rises about a one-fourth of an inch above the plates.

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