Battery health check and ways to recharge it

An important element of every car is the battery. The ability to start and the movement of the vehicle depends on its performance and the quality of operation. Therefore, you should regularly check its condition and recharge it during avoid unforeseen breakdowns on the road.

Ways to check battery health

A car battery can be tested using one of the following methods:

1. using a multimeter;

2. with the engine running;

3. using the load fork;

4. with the engine off.

Below, we will look at all the nuances of these tests to study in more detail the features of their carrying out.

Multimeter and features of its use

This voltage meter is often used to check the performance of batteries. The best option would be a digital model, it is easier to use and more convenient. The procedure is carried out in stages:

• connect the multimeter wires;
• the required mode is set-voltage measurement with a 20V mark;
• wire leads are installed on the battery terminals: red to plus, black-to negative,
• viewing indicators.

It is very important to turn off the ignition of the vehicle during charge test time with this tester. The results are defined as follows: if the readings are less than 12.7V, then the battery charge is incomplete. If the arrow is near the 11.7V mark, then the battery needs to be recharged urgently, since it will not be able to start the engine.

Engine Check

We measure the voltage on the engine running they should be 13.5-14V. If the rates are higher, then this indicates a low battery charge, while the generator operates in enhanced mode.

However, these figures are not always can be true, because in winter time, often due to the increased voltage of the battery can be discharged over night. In another case, the electronics can determine the temperature of the air, thanks to which the battery charge is greater than it actually is. & Nbsp;

Increased voltage can be normal. If everything is in order with electrical equipment, then after 5 or 10 minutes, the battery will show the usual normal values. In another case, when this is not occurs, the battery may overcharge due to possible boiling of the electrolyte.

If during the engine running time the voltage is at the lower elevations-around 13-13.4V, then we can speak of an inferior battery charge. You don’t need to go straight to the Service Station, you must first try to measure performance when all electrical appliances are turned off.

If there is a voltage below 12.8-13V with all electrical devices turned on in auto, then you need to think about buying and replacing the battery. An excellent selection of different models for cars is presented at us on the website. With delivery in Ukraine, car batteries can be bought in Kiev, Kharkov, Odessa on 130.com.ua.

Check with the not started engine

The voltage test in this case is carried out using a multimeter. If the voltage is less than 11.8-12V, then there is a possibility that the car will not start. At the same time, the normal performance of the battery when the engine is not running is 12.5-13V. There are the following nuances of determining the voltage level:

1. 12.9V voltage means 90% battery charge;

2. with a voltage of 12.5V, the battery is charged only at 50%;

3. a voltage around the 12.1V mark indicates a charge of only 10%.

These figures are very approximate, but they are effective and this technique is used by many drivers.

Using the load plug when checking the battery performance

The most accurate method of this test is to use a load fork. Features of this procedure:

• connect the device with polarity;
• the connection time should not be longer than 5 seconds;
• Starting figures should be 12-13B, at the end of measurement, more than 10V.

If these measurements were at the output, then the battery is fully operational.

Battery Charging Methods

If after numerous measurements it turned out that the battery is still the same low, then it can be recharged by one of the following methods:

1. while the engine is running and the generator is in excellent condition, the battery is charged automatically. With a greater retention of speed and less use of electrical appliances, the probability of full charge is guaranteed for a sufficiently fast time;

2. using a starting-charger, with the engine off. ROM clamps connect to the battery terminals and charge. It is important to carefully read the manual for the charger before using it.

The battery is considered fully charged after the boiling of the electrolyte. The average recharging time is 8-10 hours, it can vary in depending on the type of device and the degree of its charge.

Features of the subsequent use of the battery after recharging

When the electrolyte "boils" you need to wait about 10-15 minutes, then turn off the ROM. Some modern pre-chargers have an auto-off feature. You can choose the appropriate option by going to us on the site. Here are the different models of ROM for all possible types of vehicles. Looking for a starter charger? Buy in Kiev, Odessa, Kharkov can be on 130.com.ua. Delivery in Ukraine.

In the case of a full battery discharge, it is advisable to select, if the ROM has a similar option, the magnitude of the charging current. It is better to choose the minimum indicators, 4-6A. In in this case, the battery will charge for about 12 hours, but the charge level will recover much better than when choosing a fast charging method.

When charging, the start-charger can go into buffer mode. In this case, self-discharge can be compensated for by the charging current. The duration of using this mode is not limited, its use is often very necessary for batteries, especially for new models. As a result, the capacity and the internal resistance of the device may be restored. Thus, after a full recharge, you can also leave the battery in this mode and and not worry about possible boiling up of electrolyte.

It is also important to rinse and disconnect the device after disconnecting from the ROM. This is necessary because an acid can enter the body of the body, and this will lead to a discharge due to the voltage being passed through the surface after being damaged by the acid. In in this case the interferes with the measurement of the voltage of the battery cover, if it is non-zero, then voltage is transmitted and it is necessary to wash the battery with soda solution.

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