In a few minutes, you can check your automotive battery's charge at your Annapolis-area home. You will need an electronic device called a multimeter, which is available for under $20.

Testing your battery begins with running your headlights for two minutes without your engine running. This step disperses your battery's surface charge. Skipping this step can produce an unreliable reading. After two minutes, turn off your headlights, and ensure that your battery's metal terminals are clean. If you find corrosion, remove it with a terminal brush.

Next, with your multimeter dialed to 20 volts of direct current, attach the negative probe to your battery's negative terminal, and attach the positive probe to the positive terminal. Shortly, you will see a voltage reading on your multimeter's display. Any reading above 12 volts indicates a good battery. If your reading falls below 12 volts, we recommend changing your battery soon.

 

Categories: Service