What Do I Do If The Car Battery Is Repeatedly Going Flat
If the battery is continually going flat, it could be because of a ‘parasitic loss’. This is where something electrical – a light or a motor for example – is draining the battery, even with the engine turned off. Apart from doing the obvious , you can either remove the leads from the battery, or remove it from the car entirely.
Then, fully charge the battery, leave it for 12 hours and test it. If the battery holds a charge when it’s not connected to the car, it’s not faulty.
TOP TIP: Before you disconnect your battery make sure you know the code for your stereo otherwise you may find it won’t work when you reconnect it!
Use The Headlight Test
This is an unscientifically imperfect way to test your battery, but it can be an easy method for checking its health.
Ford
Battery Light On Your Dash
You may notice a battery indicator light on your dashboard when your battery starts acting up. Some cars will throw up a general check engine light, whereas others may show an image of a battery.
If that light is on in your dash and youre noticing a few other symptoms, its a safe bet youre dealing with battery failure and youll probably need a battery replacement.
Now lets look at some FAQs to give you a better understanding of your car battery.
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How To Check For Battery Drain With A Multimeter
People dont often check their car battery for voltage drops but if done periodically it could be great prevention. This battery check is important to ensure that your car is working efficiently at any time.
This article will help you easily know how to check for battery drain with a multimeter. We will help you identify the cause of a battery issue and also how you can fix it.
Checking for a battery drain with a multimeter is simple. 1. Remove the negative car battery cable. 2. Check and draw across the negative cable and battery post. 3. Remove and replace fuses. 4. Isolate and fix the issue. 5. Replace the negative battery cable.
Reconnecting Your Car Battery
If either of the terminals are visibly bare, then one of the battery leads may have become detached. If the positive or negative battery cables have parted company from their terminals but are visible and can be reattached, you can do so carefully.
You should only attempt this if the retaining nuts that tighten the battery leads to the terminals are still in place if theyre missing the battery lead will soon become detached again. Youll need a suitable spanner to tighten the nut effectively.
Also, only attempt reconnection if youre wearing suitable rubber gloves to avoid risk of electrocution. Also note that when reconnecting the battery, the power surge can damage delicate components in the cars electrical system. If you have any doubts about performing this operation you should contact your breakdown or recovery service.
If both the positive and negative lead have come adrift, always reattach the red positive battery terminal first. The lead should fit over the battery terminal post or stud push it so that the whole stud is covered and then tighten the retaining nut until the lead is securely in place.
When reconnecting the positive terminal cable, you may experience electrical sparking. These sparks can be minimised by connecting the terminal lead quickly and accurately. Prolonged sparking will cause the electrical system to receive power surges and can cause damage.
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What Do I Do If My Car Doesnt Unlock
If your car fails to unlock using the remote-control key fob, it may just be that the battery in the fob itself requires replacement. However, if your spare fob doesnt work either, it could indicate a flat or very low car battery.
If remote unlocking doesnt work, you should still be able to open the car by turning the key in the lock of the drivers door. Many modern keys have a metal key blade hidden inside the key fob, which can be folded out by using a button on the fob.
Turning the key blade in the drivers door lock may operate the central locking and unlock all the doors, or it may only open the drivers door. The door handle may also need one or two sharp tugs after turning the key before itll open.
Sometimes, though, the battery is too run down to unlock the doors. It may still have sufficient power to operate the alarm and this may sound once the door has been opened. It should silence when you turn the key in the cars ignition or press the unlock button on your key fob.
If the car still cant be opened manually with the key blade, it might be time to make contact with your recovery or breakdown service. If the car is still within its warranty period, you may be entitled to assistance under the manufacturers recovery service. The phone number should be in your owners documentation pack along with the instruction manual.
If youve been able to get into the car and found that the engine wont start, its now time to check the cars battery.
What Is A Load Tester And How To Load Test A Car Battery
Multimeters give us a ton of information and help us diagnose a bad battery. But the one thing they dont do is load test the battery. I will show you how to use a load tester to load test your batteries. So lets run through this real quick, just like any car, were going to start by removing the negative terminal first and then the positive terminal.
Connect the tester to the battery. Positive to the positive, negative to the negative. Choose your battery parameters. In my case, this is a regular flooded battery, then pick SAE for our measurement of cold cranking amps.
My battery is rated for 800 cold-cranking amps, so set it to that. I have about 350 cold-cranking amps compared to the 800 that we should have. It tells us that we need to replace our battery. I tested the other battery ang get 70 cold-cranking amps compared to the 800. This also is telling us to replace the battery. The battery charge is a little bit low, so Im sure its a little bit higher than that, but at least its telling us these batteries are bad and need to be replaced:
Out with the old and in with the new. Dont forget to add some silicone paste to the terminal ends. So there you go, thats my ultimate guide on how to diagnose and replace a battery in your car or truck.
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How To Choose Your Battery
Your battery is one of the most important parts of your car. It provides the power to start your engine and keep all of your electrical accessories running. So, how do you choose the right battery for your car?
There are a few things to consider when choosing a battery for your car. The first is the size. You need to make sure that the battery you choose is the right size for your car. The second is the type of battery. There are two types of batteries, lead-acid and maintenance-free. Lead-acid batteries require periodic maintenance, while maintenance-free batteries do not.
The third thing to consider is the warranty. Most batteries come with a warranty of at least three years. However, some batteries come with a longer warranty. Choose a battery with a longer warranty if you can.
Finally, consider the price. Batteries range in price from about $50 to $200. Choose a battery that is within your budget.
Now that you know how to choose the right battery for your car, you can be sure that your car will start and run smoothly.
How Many Amps Are In A 12 Volt Car Battery
This is a question that is often asked by those who are unfamiliar with cars and car batteries. The answer is that there are 12 amps in a 12 volt car battery. This means that the battery can provide a maximum of 12 amps of power to the car. The number of amps that the battery can provide will vary depending on the type of battery and the car that it is in.
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Can I Use A Higher Ah Battery In My Car
This is a question that we get asked a lot, and its not an easy one to answer. It really depends on your car and what youre using it for. If youre just using your car for short trips around town, then a higher ah battery may not be necessary. However, if youre using your car for long trips or for driving in heavy traffic, a higher ah battery may be a good idea.
The bottom line is that it really depends on your individual car and your driving habits. If youre not sure whether or not a higher ah battery is right for you, we recommend talking to your cars manufacturer or to a qualified mechanic.
However What Happens If We Dont Have A Space To Install A Larger Battery
This is a valid question, and one that we will explore in this blog post. There are a few options available to those who want to install a larger battery in their car.
One option is to install the battery in the trunk of the car. This is not ideal, as it takes up valuable space that could be used for other things. Additionally, it can be difficult to access the battery in the trunk if you need to jump-start your car.
Another option is to install the battery under the seat. This is a better option than the trunk, as it does not take up valuable space and is easier to access. However, it can be difficult to install the battery under the seat if you do not have a lot of experience with car repairs.
A third option is to install the battery in the engine compartment. This is the best option, as it is easy to access and does not take up valuable space. However, it can be difficult to install the battery in the engine compartment if you do not have a lot of experience with car repairs.
If you are not sure which option is best for you, we recommend that you consult with a professional.
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I Cant See My Cars Battery Charging Terminals
Before going any further, make sure your owners manual is to hand. For battery checking purposes, youll need to know where your cars charging terminals are. Your manual will contain this information.
In many cases with more modern cars, the battery is concealed and the terminals are not easily accessible, with special safety connectors designed to stay permanently attached. These should only be removed by a qualified service technician.
In cases where the battery cables are permanently attached to the battery, the charging terminals are usually separately located and clearly marked under the bonnet.
The positive terminal will often be marked boldly in red and may have a metal post, sometimes under a sliding cover. The negative terminal may be attached directly to the metal body of the car. Itll be made from unpainted metal and may be shaped to accept a charging lead.
Once youve located these terminals, you can proceed with testing or reconnecting the battery. If you still cant find them, wed advise that you contact your breakdown or recovery service.
Order A New Battery For Your Vehicle
Kwik Fit stocks batteries to fit the vast majority of cars and light commercial vehicles should your battery fail. You can order your replacement battery online or call in to your nearest Kwik Fit centre.
Tyre Width
The first three digits. This displays the width of the tyre in millimetres. A tyre marked 225 will measure 225mm across the tread from sidewall to sidewall.
Aspect Ratio
The fourth and fifth digits of the tyre code that immediately follow the tyre width. The aspect ratio or profile height of the tyre sidewall is expressed as a percentage of the tyre width. So an aspect ratio of 55 for example means that the profile height of the tyre is 55% of its width.
Rim Diameter
The next two digits represent the size of the wheel rim that the tyre can be fitted to. It is also the diameter of the tyre from bead to bead. So a tyre marked 16 will fit on a 16-inch wheel rim.
Speed Rating
The speed rating of a tyre is represented by a letter of the alphabet at the end of the tyre size code and indicates the maximum speed capability of the tyre. Tyres receive a speed rating based on a series of tests which measure the tyres capability to handle a set speed for a prolonged period of time.
Select your tyre speed rating to find out the maximum speed your tyres can maintain.
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How To Check Your Car Battery Health
. Testing your battery is something you may not associate with regular car maintenance like getting an oil change, but the battery is needed for everything from starting your car to powering your cars computers and devices. Dead batteries are a common reason for roadside assistance calls and making sure your battery is in good condition could prevent the hassle of your car breaking down unexpectedly. You can check your car battery quickly and easily yourself.
Sometimes You Need A Certified Mechanic
As much as The Drive loves to put the “you” in do-it-yourself, we know that not everyone has the proper tools, a safe workspace, the spare time, or the confidence to tackle major automotive repairs. Sometimes, you just need quality repair work performed by professionals you can trust like our partners, the certified mechanics at Goodyear Tire & Service.
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When Your Car Wont Start A Flat Battery Is Often The Culprit Testing The Condition Of Your Battery Regularly Can Avoid Problems
While attempting to start their cars, many drivers will be familiar with the silence or muffled ignition click that indicates a flat battery. The click is audible because a flat car battery may have just enough power left to operate the switch that activates the engine starter motor but not enough to start the engine. In this guide, we explain how you can safely test a car battery to help avoid this scenario.
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
If you hear the click of the switch without the engine turning over, theres a very good chance your battery could be the problem. If youre lucky, it could be a simple connection problem that can be fixed with a spanner and a dab of grease but more often than not youll need to charge the battery or replace it with a new one.
Your battery may be flat for an obvious reason, such as leaving lights or other electrical systems switched on overnight. If not, investigation will be required to determine whether theres a problem elsewhere with your car or whether the battery itself has reached the end of its life.
If youre experiencing other problems when starting your car, such as the engine turning over sluggishly when you turn the ignition key, you can ask a garage to perform a battery drop test which will highlight any problems. If the battery is nearing the end of its life, it may well be worth replacing it to avoid problems in the future.
How Do I Know My Cars Battery Is Bad
Below are the signs and symptoms that point towards a bad car battery:
Illuminated battery light: This is a classic sign of problems in your car battery. If you find the battery light in the dashboard illuminated, do get your battery checked as soon as possible.
Engine cranks: If you notice engine cranks while starting your car, a poor battery is often why this happens.
Frequent jump starts: Jumped starting your vehicle often? Maybe its time to check the battery and assess its health.
Dim lights: If your car lights are dim than usual, they could be because of a low battery charge. Examine the lights first. If they are in good condition, check the battery.
Car wont start: This is no rocket science: a dead battery means your car wont start.
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Charge The Battery And Test It
If the multimeter drops to around 10-10.5 when you start the car and then pops back up to around 14 volts, then all is well. A battery below 10 volts cant run a car. Your alternator is charging the battery as soon as the car starts. If your battery is below 12.6 when you initially test it, try charging it overnight, put it back in the car and then test it again. If it is still below 12.6 volts, you probably have a few bad cells and need a new battery.
This video shows the entire process of using a multimeter to check your battery and gives you a few tips on how to solve some common problems you might find.
If everything checks out, you might want to watch this video telling you how to check your alternator with a multimeter.
