How to check the car battery performance

Every car owner sooner or later there are problems with the battery. After a short life, the battery stops performing its functions at the proper level. The reason may be a factory defect or improper operation of the battery. In any case, you need to check the battery for performance.

Applying a few simple ways, you can determine the status of the battery and understand how long it will last. But before you check it, familiarize yourself with the signs of faults and the reasons leading to a decrease in battery performance.

Symptoms of battery failure

There are two of the brightest signs of a dead battery.If you observe at least one of them, do not ignore, but try first to find out the causes of the problem. With a decrease in functionality, the following features are observed in battery operation:

1. Starter sluggish start the engine. This may be a sign of a dead battery. Due to the low charge, the motor scrolls with difficulty and there is not enough weak spark to ignite the fuel mixture.
2. The battery began to discharge quickly. This, especially, is noticeable in the winter, when the charge lasts just a few engine starts. The reason for the rapid loss of battery energy can be a low level of electrolyte.

Reasons for reducing battery performance

1. Bad charge. The generator produces a weak current and cannot fully charge the battery. To fix this problem you need to contact the maintenance.
2. Electrical equipment. Incorrect connection of the electrical equipment of the car makes it difficult for the battery and shortens its service life.
3. Poor wiring. Cars over time have problems with wiring.In some places, the wires are wiped or rotted, which leads to the circuit and discharge of the battery.
4. Long exploitation. Each device has its own life, batteries are no exception. After the end of the guaranteed period of work in the battery, chemical and physical processes begin: oxidation, sulfation, damage.
5. Poor battery maintenance. The absence of periodic monitoring and cleaning of the battery leads to its breakdown or shortening the life of the battery. With proper and high-quality care, the battery will last longer without damage.
6. Inattention. Drivers after leaving the car often leave electrical devices in working condition, such as: light bulbs, indicators or a radio tape recorder. In the cold season, non-switched electrical appliances quickly discharge the battery.

Voltage test with a multimeter

A well-charged battery produces a voltage that matches the documents on it. In most cases, the numbers range from 12.5 to 12.8 volts, when fully charged.

Some manufacturers claim that the voltage in their batteries is above 13 V.If you take a measurement immediately after charging the battery, the numbers may be equal to or exceed 13 volts, but this data is false.

After a full charge, the voltage in the battery exceeds the norm. This is due to the properties of the electrolyte. To get accurate data, take a measurement 2 hours after the end of battery charging.

Instruction:

1. Turn the multimeter into DC mode.
2. Install a red probe in the socket for measuring current in the range from 10A to 20A.
3. Touch the test leads to the battery terminals.
4. The contact time of the multimeter with the battery should not exceed 2 seconds, otherwise the battery can be spoiled.
5. Check the readings with the data specified in the battery documents.

Battery check under load

After measuring the voltage with a multimeter for a full diagnosis, you need to check the battery performance under load. The measurement is carried out with a special device (load fork). This device consists of a voltmeter connected to it, a load coil and a clamp.

Instruction
Connect the clip to the battery minus and touch the positive terminal with a plug. Hold the device in this position for five seconds,and remember the last result on the scale of the voltmeter. If the voltage is 9 volts, then the battery is healthy - you can use it.

Check electrolyte level

For the battery to work properly, it must contain a certain amount of liquid. On some battery models there are marks through which you can see the electrolyte level: upper (maximum volume) and lower (minimum volume). If there are no such tags, unscrew the filler plugs and watch the level through them.

Instruction

1. A normal level is considered when the electrolyte covers the plates by about 15 mm. For measurement accuracy, you can use a tube with a diameter of 3 mm. Immerse it in the electrolyte, resting it on the plates, and then pull out and see how many millimeters of the liquid level.
2. With an insufficient amount of electrolyte plate peep. If nothing is urgently done, they will dry out and collapse - the result: the failure of the entire battery. To increase the electrolyte level, add distilled water and charge the battery.

Check electrolyte density

The low density of the liquid in the battery as well as its lack of effect on the charge level. Water evaporates due to long use or improper charging. To avoid such a situation, you need to measure the density of the electrolyte once every 3 months.

Measurements are made using a special device (hydrometer). The density of the electrolyte in the hot season is always above the norm. To get an accurate result, take measurements at an air temperature of no more than 25 degrees Celsius.

Instruction

1. Unscrew all battery filler plugs. Then insert a hydrometer into each hole, sucking electrolyte. With good density float pops up to the green zone of the scale and show the result from 1.26 to 1.30 g / cm3. Memorize or record sample data from each hole. If the float drowned to the white or red zone of the scale, then you need to increase the density.
2. To increase the density, simply charge the battery. In a more serious situation, it is necessary to prepare a new electrolyte (a mixture of water and sulfuric acid). Pump the old electrolyte out of the battery and fill it with a new one. At the end, put the battery on charge - it should take at least a day.

How to extend battery life

Any device can last much longer if it is monitored and serviced on time. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Check that the battery is well secured in place. Otherwise, microcracks may appear through which the electrolyte will flow.
2. Every three months to check the level of electrolyte and density.
3. DO NOT allow the battery to completely discharge.
4. Protect the battery from being in the cold - in the winter, bring it into the house.
5. Keep your ventilation openings clean. If they are clogged, evaporation will remain in the container and the battery may burst.

A good battery can serve well for several years. Watch him and periodically check for performance. For the careful attitude the battery will thank you for a long service life.

Video: how to check car battery