5 Easy Steps for Checking Your Car Battery

It’s always a good idea to know how to check your car battery, just in case something goes wrong. We all know that feeling of dread when our car won’t start and we don’t know what to do. By following these 5 easy steps, you can rest assured that you’ll be able to troubleshoot any problems with your car battery!

What Does the Battery Do?

The car battery is responsible for providing the initial charge to the starter motor, which in turn starts the engine. It also provides power to the electrical system when the engine is not running. The battery is made up of lead-acid cells that produce an electric current when a chemical reaction takes place between the lead and acid.

What Causes Battery Failure?

Over time, lead sulfate crystals form on a battery’s lead plates. When the plate coverage reaches its threshold—typically after three to five years of use—the battery can’t produce enough electricity to start the engine. AAA explains that there are many things that can impact car battery life:

• Extreme temperatures, especially heat
• Inactivity and excessive short drives
• Lack of maintenance, such as letting corrosion build up
• Technical problems, such as electrical issues or a faulty charging system
• Human error, such as storing your key fob too close to the vehicle or leaving accessories plugged into always-on power outlets

Signs Your Battery is Failing

There are a few tell-tale signs that your battery is on its way out, such as:

• The engine is slow to turn over when you start the car
• Your headlights are dimmer than usual
• There’s visible corrosion on the battery terminals
• The Check Engine light is onY
• our car is stalling more often than usual

5 Easy Steps to Checking Your Car Battery

If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, or if it’s just been a while since you’ve had your battery checked, follow these steps to see if your battery needs to be replaced:

1. Check the battery terminals for corrosion.

To do this, simply remove the negative and positive terminal covers and inspect the terminals and cables for any buildup. If you see any, clean it off with a wire brush or battery terminal cleaner.

2. Check the battery voltage with a voltmeter.

You can do this by attaching the voltmeter to the positive and negative terminals. A fully charged battery should read around 12.6 volts. If it’s 12.4 volts or less, your battery is discharged and needs to be recharged.

3. Check the battery for proper fluid level.

If your battery is a maintenance-free type, skip this step. Otherwise, you’ll need to remove the battery caps and check the fluid level. It should be at or above the level of the battery’s lead plates.

4. Check the cranking speed of your car’s starter motor.

To do this, turn on the engine and measure how long it takes for the engine to start. If it’s more than two seconds, your battery may be weak and needs to be replaced.

5. Have your battery load tested.

This is the best way to determine if your battery needs to be replaced. A professional at Scott’s Auto can hook up your battery to a machine that will put it through a simulated engine start to see if it’s able to hold a charge.

If your battery fails any of these tests, it’s time for a new one. Be sure to bring your car to Scott’s Auto for a battery check and replacement! We’ll make sure you’re back on the road in no time.

Stop by Scott’s Auto

If you’re concerned that your car battery is nearing the end of its life, or if it’s just been a while since you’ve had it checked, stop by Scott’s Auto. We’ll be happy to take a look and let you know if it needs to be replaced. We can also test your battery’s load and recommend the best replacement options for your vehicle. Don’t wait until you’re stranded on the side of the road to take care of your car battery. Stop by Scott’s Auto location nearest you today!a