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How do I know when to replace the car battery by voltage amount?
I suspect that my car battery needs to be replaced and I just bought a multimeter so I can test the voltage. How do I know when to replace the car battery by voltage amount?
Bonnie Stinson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Great question! If your multimeter measures anything less than 9.5 volts, your car battery should be replaced. Anything below 12 volts (on a 12-volt battery) is a sign that it needs to be recharged.
First of all, you need to know that electrical problems are not always battery-related. It could be an alternator or starter problem—or even an
engine problem
!Start your investigation by using the multimeter to measure the car battery’s voltage output.
If the voltage is low, try recharging it before you replace it entirely. If it still starts slowly, get it load-tested at an auto shop. If, after recharging, the battery voltage holds for 12 to 24 hours but then drops as you drive, it’s probably not a battery problem. If you smell something bad, it might be a faulty catalytic converter or an overcharged battery venting toxic fumes.
Remember to check for corrosion on the terminals, too!
Finally, note that mild climates are much gentler on batteries whereas extreme climates (hot, cold, very dry) can be much tougher on batteries.
Experts recommend changing the battery every three to four years, although many batteries last much longer. If you need a new battery, a replacement should cost about $200 including parts and labor.
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