A car battery is an essential component of your vehicle’s electrical system, providing the necessary power to start the engine and run electrical accessories. The standard voltage for a car battery is around 12.6 volts when fully charged. It’s important to maintain this voltage level to ensure your vehicle operates reliably.

Signs of a low voltage battery

Recognising the signs of a low voltage battery can save you from unexpected breakdowns. Symptoms include dim headlights, slow engine cranking, and the car failing to start. These signs indicate that it’s time to check your battery voltage.

How to check your car battery voltage

Checking your car battery voltage is a simple process that can be done with a multimeter, a handy tool for measuring electrical voltage, current, and resistance. Here’s how to do it:

1. Turn off your vehicle: Ensure the engine is off and all accessories are turned off.
2. Set up your multimeter: Turn your multimeter to the DC voltage setting.
3. Connect the multimeter: Attach the red lead to the positive terminal of your battery and the black lead to the negative terminal.
4. Read the voltage: A reading of 12.6 volts or above indicates a fully charged battery. If the reading is between 12.4 and 12.6 volts, your battery is partially charged. Below 12.4 volts means your battery is discharged.

What does the voltage tell you?

The voltage reading of your car battery can give you an insight into its health and charge status. A fully charged battery should read around 12.6 volts. A reading below 12.4 volts indicates that your battery needs charging or might be failing.

Tips for maintaining battery voltage

Maintaining your car battery’s voltage is key to ensuring its longevity and reliability. Here are some tips:

• Regular check-ups: Regularly checking your battery’s voltage can help detect issues early.
• Keep it clean: Ensure the battery terminals are free from corrosion.
• Drive regularly: Regular use helps keep the battery fully charged.
• Avoid short trips: Short trips can prevent the battery from fully charging.

When to seek professional help

If you consistently find low voltage readings or your battery struggles to hold a charge, it’s time to seek professional help. An auto electrician can diagnose battery issues and recommend solutions, ensuring your vehicle remains reliable and safe to drive.

At Elevate Automotive, we provide bespoke auto electric fitouts, including dual battery systems, light installations, mine spec conversions, and more. Got a question? Get in touch with us now.