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How to check your car’s battery

Mechanic checking car battery
Written by
Motia News & Advice author Marion Hanson

Marion Hanson

Marketing Executive

Published on

Your car is a finely-tuned machine that needs all of its components to be in good working order to allow it to function efficiently and correctly. One of the most important and most overlooked components is the vehicle battery 

Failing to check the health of your car battery regularly can lead to breakdowns, warning lights and unexpected repair costs. 

At Motia, we take driver and vehicle safety seriously, which is why we have explained everything you need to know in this article so that you can check the condition of your battery to make sure it is healthy and safe to drive. How do you check the health of your car battery?

The most accurate way to check battery health is by measuring its resting voltage using a multimeter.

To test your car battery voltage, you should: 

  1. Switch off the engine and allow it to rest for several hours
  2. Open the bonnet and locate the battery
  3. Set your multimeter to measure DC voltage
  4. Attach the multimeter leads:
  5. Red lead to the positive (+) terminal
  6. Black lead to the negative (–) terminal

If the multimeter shows a negative reading, the leads are connected the wrong way around.

Top tip for testing a battery: Ensure no metal objects are touching the battery, as this can cause a dangerous electrical discharge. 

What voltage should a healthy car battery show? 

A healthy battery should hold a charge of no less than 12.6 volts. This reading is known as the resting charge.

If the battery is any lower than 12.2 volts, it would highlight a serious problem with the battery and requires immediate professional attention. 

At Motia, we’ve negotiated competitive rates for business vehicles with thousands of UK garages. So whether you need servicing, repairs, MOTs, tyres, or glass work, our Vehicle Maintenance Services could save you money at garages all across the UK.  

Why is your car battery so important?

Your vehicle’s battery powers all the electrical components of your car – everything from your headlights and indicators to your in-car heating and power steering. As a result, ensuring the battery is in proper working order and holding its charge is imperative.

According to the RAC, battery faults are the number one cause of breakdowns in the UK each year. Motorists up and down the country should therefore take note of the importance of proper battery maintenance.

Signs your car battery may need replacing

Signs that your battery may need to be replaced include;

  • Dm headlights or headlights that are dimmer when the vehicle is at rest 
  • Difficulty turning over the starter motor and a change in sound when the vehicle is idling
  • Dashboard warning lights

What causes car batteries to fail?

Some of the main causes of battery failure include age (batteries should ideally be replaced every five years), corrosion of the terminals, extreme hot or cold temperatures, loose cables or wiring, improperly installed electrical components, and frequent short trips that do not provide sufficient time for the battery to charge fully.

If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s important to have your battery checked.

How can Motia's compliance and maintenance solutions help

We offer a comprehensive range of compliance solutions such as vehicle tracking, vehicle servicing and safety checks. 

It’s important to get your vehicle serviced regularly so it’s always in good condition and you’re aware of any component or mechanical problems.

After all, regular servicing and scheduled maintenance can save you thousands of pounds in the long run, just take a look at the ‘5 costly repairs that can be avoided by regular maintenance’.

Contact us today to find out how we can help you save money on parts and labour, vehicle diagnostic tools, and also get useful benefits like calendar reminders.

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How to check your car’s battery