While the engine is often called the heart of a car, the car battery is often the brains - it plays the pivotal role in making sure all electrical components of a car is fully operational!

The car battery is needed for turning on headlights, running the air conditioning, listening to music, washing the windscreen and more. That's why it's important for every car owner to know how to check car battery every once in awhile!

For example, if you notice that your car battery is facing difficulties starting the engine in the morning or the headlights appear weak at night, you're facing a potential low voltage issue.

While a typical car battery lasts 4 to 5 years, it is wise to test your car battery and check car battery regularly to ensure all is in working order.

As checking your car battery is crucial, this article will explore the various ways to check your car battery  and different tips on how to keep your car battery healthy.

How To Do Car Battery Checking

From using your hands and eyes to utilizing equipment that you can buy online, here are the 3 best methods to properly check your car battery.

1.  A straightforward physical inspection of your battery

This is a basic form of inspection to spot any cracks on your car battery.

First, simply disconnect the battery terminals and remove the entire car battery from the car. You should then place it on a flat surface to check if there are any bulges formed on the surface of the battery - if you spot any, it means your battery has signs of overcharging.

You should also look at the battery terminals and check the insulation. If there are any cracks, it should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

2.  Use a voltmeter to check the car battery voltage

While most people would not have a voltmeter at home, it is an easily attainable device from many car accessory or hardware.

The voltmeter is simply a tool created to measure voltage in devices. If you got your hands on one, you'll need to ensure you turn off any car accessories such as ignition, air conditioning, headlights or radio that might drain energy from your car battery before testing it.

You can now remove the covers on the terminals of your car battery. While following your voltmeter's instructions, you should see a reading between 12.4 V and 12.7 V for a good, working battery.

If you detect any abnormalities of either higher or below that range, it's encouraged for your car battery to be checked by a repairman or technician.

3.  Do a simple headlights test

This method might sound too simple, but it doesn't mean it isn't effective to check car battery.

After starting your car's engine, you should try turning on the headlights. If you find that they're darker than usual, your car battery might be damaged or running low.

If running your car's engine turns your headlights brighter, it means your alternator is working but does not supply enough current to charge the battery fully.

In the best case scenario, a normal brightness of your car's headlights when the ignition is started means your car battery is working properly.

5 Tips To Keep Your Car Battery Life Healthy

Here are some key tips to ensure your car battery stays healthy and functional over its normal lifespan:

1. Start your car regularly, even if you don't drive it

Your car battery loses its charge if not used for an extended period of time. You can avoid this by taking a short trip or even starting it at least once a week. If not, you will need to jumpstart your car once it loses its charge.

2. Refrain from using your car battery when the engine is turned off

This is because car batteries discharge far quicker when the engine is turned off. With lights, audio system or even phone charging when the engine is not running, they can drain your car battery's power significantly and reduce the lifespan of your car battery. 

3. Keep your car battery conditions clean

This is a general good practice not just for your car battery, but for your whole car as well.

By not allowing dirt and other contaminants to assemble on the battery, you can avoid short-circuiting or draining the battery unnecessarily. This can also prevent the corrosion of your car battery's terminals.

4. Minimize direct exposure to sunlight and heat

While heat and sunlight is hard to avoid in the sunny Malaysian weather, exposure to high heat is a known factor of driving down the battery life of your car battery.

One effective way to actively protect your car battery is to try to find a shaded place to park your car whenever possible. This means searching for a covered parking space or under a tree if possible.

5. Check your car battery every month

Using the methods listed above, you should always keep an eye on your car battery by checking its condition and status at least once a month.

You can also invest in a simple voltmeter to ensure your car battery functions properly and effectively. 

By checking your car battery regularly and protecting it correctly, you can save money in the long term and make your car run smoothly without any emergencies or accidents! 

Rain or shine, day or night, Ex Power delivers car batteries or repair services to your doorstep

Facing car battery issues? With Ex Power's all-day roadside assistance, you'll have immediate car battery repair and replacement services exactly when and where you need them! Our services come with:

✓ Free installation

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Check us out at https://www.expower.com.my/ or call us now at +6010 888 9166