Important Things to Know About Testing Your Car's Battery

Being stranded by a dead battery can be frustrating, but it can also be dangerous. If your car fails to start at the wrong place or wrong time, you could be subject to freezing cold or excessively hot temperatures, or you might be stuck in a crime-ridden area. At Jim Peach Motors Inc, we offer tips to help Brewton, AL drivers avoid preventable problems like these. That's why we're sharing a few important things to know about testing your car's battery.

Even if your battery is fairly new, you should still test it or have it tested on a regular basis. Although most batteries will last between three and four years with good maintenance, temperature extremes, and other environmental factors can diminish their lifespan. Professional battery tests should be performed at least once every six months or 6,000 miles. During these tests, all cables and connections will be inspected and cleaned, and all worn components will be swapped out.

You can purchase your own digital multimeter to perform battery tests by yourself. When you use these devices, always be sure to turn your auto-off and shut off all lights and other battery-powered accessories. Connect the red lead on your multimeter to the red battery terminal, and the black lead to the black battery terminal. Whenever you receive readings that fall below 12.4 volts, you should have your battery replaced.