Testing Your Car Battery with a Multimeter

If you have concerns about your car battery, you might want to check it with a multimeter. At Cherry Hill Volkswagen, we have the steps you need to take.

Signs Your Car Battery is Bad

Typically a bad battery exhibits some signs. These include:

• A slow-cranking engine while starting
• Illuminated battery light on the dashboard
• Dim lights
• Clicking as you attempt to turn the engine
• Car won’t start at all

What is a Multimeter and How Do You Use It?

The multimeter measures how much voltage is in the car battery. This lets you know if power is stored inside.

1. To test your car battery, simply turn on your headlights for a couple of minutes. This gets rid of any surface charge your battery might have.

2. Set your multimeter to 15-20 volts and turn the car lights off.

3. Make sure you connect your multimeter to the positive and negative battery terminals.

4. If you don’t see a voltage reading around 12.6 volts, it’s possible you have a bad battery.

5. Start the car and read the results again. It should be over 13.7 volts. If it goes below that while running, you might need to replace your battery.

Replacing Your Car Battery

Most batteries come with a warranty and tend to last around four years. If it’s been that long since you’ve replaced yours, now might be the time. If you have a newer battery and are experiencing trouble, it could just be trouble with the connections. Check the terminals for corrosion first. At Cherry Hill Volkswagen near Philadelphia, we are available to help with all your car needs. Whether you need service or you want to buy a used car in Cherry Hill, NJ, you can find what you need. Stop by today and let us help you.