APR 26, 2021 Pageview:1197
Most people have knowledge that a car battery is DC batteries of 12V potential difference across its positive and negative terminals. The 12V lead aid battery used in most combustion engine vehicles is large and fairly heavy. The battery undergoes a chemical reaction which causes a vehicle t starts and is rechargeable. The car battery provides an initial electric shock to the ignition system to combust fuel inside the combustion cylinder and also provides electric current to the starter motor. If you remove the lid of the lead-acid battery, you will observe that the whole body is bisected into 6 separate chambers. Each chamber is usually termed a battery cell. Each cell is capable of generating about 2.1 volts of DC. Each cell is connected to the adjacent one in such a manner that the negative terminal of one cell is connected to the positive terminal of the next one. This interconnected arrangement of battery cells gives a total potential difference of about 12.6 volts. Car battery voltage varies during its life span. A new and healthy battery has a proper voltage of 12.6V or above when it is fully charged. While during the operation and working of an engine the voltage exceeds about 13.7 to 14.7 volts. The battery voltages get lower with the time duration and it drops to such a value below which a battery is not able to start the vehicle.
Proper Voltage Reading for Car Battery:
If you know the voltage range of a car battery, then you have to know how to take the proper voltage reading of a car battery. There are several methods to determine the voltage difference across the terminals of a battery. The simplest one is the use of a multimeter. The voltage range for a car battery can be measured by rotating the knob of the multimeter till it is in the volt measuring region. Then set the meter to give a maximum value above 12-15 volts. Also, make sure that your multimeter is set to DC voltage to avoid measurement error. Connect the red or positive cable of a voltmeter to the positive terminal of the battery and black or negative cable with the negative terminal of the battery. The readings displayed on the screen of the multimeter should be fairly accurate and the results are almost exactly what is expected. Most often we swap the leads of the multimeter and the result we get is a negative voltage. To correct this error simply swap the leads again we’ll observe a positive accurate reading on the multimeter. It is recommended that to get a proper voltage reading to leave your car resting over one night. This will result from the inaccurate measurement of the battery’s voltage. Mostly the car voltage varies because of their application and age. The observed voltages are the index of your battery health. It is suggested that before taking the accurate voltage reading make sure that your battery is fully charged. If it is not properly charged then use a portable DC battery charger or start charging your battery with the help of an alternator. Once your car battery gets charged now it is worth testing to know whether your battery is in good shape and health.
What is a proper voltage for a fully charged battery?
The next step after measuring and reading the car battery voltage, now it is time to interpret your observed results to determine the performance and health of a battery. A battery in good condition shows a reading of about 12.66 volts or sometimes above. The voltage readings differ in the state of both rest and ride. A fully charged car during its operation shows a reading of about 13.7 to 14.7. This is due to the recharging of the car battery. Different voltages are observed by the researchers for different charged levels in rest situations.
If 12.66V then 100% charged,
If 12.45V then 75% charged
If 12.24V then 50% charged
If 12.06V then 25% charged
If 11.89V then 0% charged
Thus, proper voltage reading is frequently used as an indicator to check the battery performance. If your car battery has malfunctioned then its voltage drops quickly and it would be a trigger for you to replace your battery with a new one. If a car battery is left connected for several days it may be possible that there is a power drop but this is completely different from the one which is due to malfunctioning of a car battery.
Are 12.2 Volts enough to start a car?
The minimum voltage needed to start a car vary from battery models and its operational conditions. It is generally observed at a calm state some brands of batteries have about 12.6 to 12.7 volts. At the same time, some other well-known brands provide models that require 13-13.2 volts. It is possible to start a car with a low voltage source provided that the vehicle is new and is well-maintained. But it is not recommended to use such jump-starting into regular operation. It is highly recommended by auto designers to use a battery that has a voltage range of about 12.2-12.4 volts and is well above 11.6 for smooth and uninterrupted operation. But make sure that your vehicle is always fully charged to ensure a voltage of 12.6 or above. If it drops out quickly consult your mechanic and replace the old with a new one.
Conclusion:
In the era of technological advancement, knowledge of proper car voltage testing is important for all car owners. The proper car voltage reading is the index of the performance and health of a car battery. If the voltages of your car drop out quickly, it shows that you’ve to replace your current battery. Generally, car usage and its application determine the life span of a car. If you want to prolong your car battery’s life you must limit short trips as they prevent the car’s battery from complete charging, keep monitoring your battery after few days and make sure your battery is fixed properly. Most of the time extensive vibrations can damage few components of the battery.
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