How To Check Your Car Battery Voltage
With your busy life around Rockwall, Mesquite, and Garland, Texas, it can sometimes be difficult to stop into a service center to have your battery checked. It’s good to be able to handle some simple maintenance tasks on your own. So, we’ve created this article to help you understand your car battery voltage.
At Rockwall Ford, our technicians are standing by to help, if you need a battery recharge or replacement. Read on, so you can stay abreast of the first signs of a weak battery. Contact us as soon as you need service.
Prepare Your Battery and Measure Its Voltage
It’s suggested that you check your battery’s voltage at least twice a year so that you can stay aware of where it is in its lifespan. To check the voltage, you’ll need to acquire a tool called a multimeter, which is designed to measure electrical current, voltage, and resistance and provide a digital reading.
You can buy a multimeter at a hardware store or an automotive supply store. Once you have one, take a look at your battery and check its terminals for signs of corrosion. If you notice corrosion, put on gloves to protect your hands and clean the terminals with a fine grit sandpaper. Cleaning will help you to obtain an accurate reading.
Next, remove any potential surface charge from the battery by turning on your headlights for a couple of minutes, then turning them off. Make sure your vehicle is off and connect the multimeter to the battery terminals.
A reading between 12.2 and 12.6 indicates a full charge. Less than 12.2 indicates a weak battery that needs charging or replacement.
Understand Battery Vehicle Lifespan and Signs of Weakness
You can expect your car’s battery to last between three and four years. It’s recommended that you have it professionally inspected every 6,000 miles or every six months—whichever comes first.
The frequency of needed inspections or charges can vary depending on how you use your vehicle and whether it is often exposed to harsh climate conditions. Be mindful that taking lots of short drives or playing the radio while the engine is off can drain your battery over time.
If your engine will not crank, the engine cranks but fails to start, or the battery warning light is showing on your dashboard, you should have the battery inspected by our experts immediately.
Trust Our Service Center for Battery Care
When you suspect that your ride needs battery care, nip any issues in the bud and give us a call. Our skilled technicians help countless area drivers to maintain healthy vehicles and avoid inconveniences caused by a car that won’t start.
Our service experts are well trained and they use genuine original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts to make sure you get the maximum benefit from their work.
Call us or schedule your service online. We’ll work promptly with you to fix any issues you’re having and get you back on the road ASAP.
Learn How To Check Your Car Battery Voltage With Practice
Now that you understand how to check your car battery voltage, it’s time to get your multimeter and practice. At Rockwall Ford, we’re eager to answer any questions you might have in the process.
Once you know your battery’s condition, call us for additional help. That way, you can have a healthy battery and get back on the roads around Rockwall, Mesquite, and Garland, TX.