How to Check a Car Battery

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Turn your ignition off.

   Check and clean the battery terminals. , The positive lead on a voltmeter is usually red. ,, If your battery is in good condition, the voltage should be between
   12.4 and
   12.7 volts.
   
   A reading lower than
   12.4 volts means that your battery needs to be charged.
   
   If the reading is lower than
   12.2 volts, "trickle charge" the battery, which is a slow charge.
   
   And then re-check.
   
   If the reading is over
   12.9 volts, you have excessive voltage.
   
   Turn on the high beams to remove excessive voltage surface charge.
   
   Over voltage may be an indication the alternator is over charging the battery.
2. 2

   Step 2: Remove the battery's positive terminal cover.

3. 3

   Step 3: Connect your voltmeter's positive lead to the positive terminal on your battery.

4. 4

   Step 4: Attach the negative voltmeter lead to the negative battery terminal.

5. 5

   Step 5: Check the voltmeter.

Detailed Guide

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