OUR BLOG

Battery Testing

The other day, I retrieved my motorcycle battery. Naturally, I tested the battery voltage, hoping for the best (it’s 5 years old). As you may know, our vehicles operate at 12 volts, just like motorcycles.

As I expected, the battery barely moved the voltage gauge. I attempted to charge the battery. All it did was get warm. Nuts, it's time for a new battery!

Unfortunately, today’s batteries are sealed, and you can’t test the individual cells' fluid. This test was the most accurate and would pinpoint a weak cell before the battery completely failed. Now, we depend on electronics to test a battery. It is not as accurate, but it is what we have to use.

However, there is good news. A “load test: can also be used to determine if the battery will break down when under load (this “load” is like trying to start your car with the lights on). After the load test is performed, one can test the battery with the usual tester to confirm the results. We have found this method more accurate than simply using a standard tester.

If your car battery is five years or older, there is a good chance it will fail soon. The exception to this rule of thumb is a vehicle driven a distance almost daily. If your battery needs to be replaced, have a seat before you find out the replacement cost. Do not attempt to replace the battery at home unless you can keep power to the cables when doing so. Some vehicle computers lose memory and will have to be reprogrammed by your dealer and you may have to have your car towed there!

Happy Motoring!