How to Check an Auto Battery for Load
Auto batteries can cause many issues with a vehicle. It is easy to determine if your auto battery's load is high enough to power your car. It only takes a few minutes and an auto battery load testers to complete this task.
Items Needed:
- Battery load tester
- Wrench
- Battery charger
- Remember safety first. When dealing with any auto mechanic issues, you should be aware of what you are trying to accomplish. Wear the appropriate safety gear, which for battery work can be gloves and safety glasses.
- Turn off the car ignition. If you are working with a battery on a car the ignition should not be on while testing the battery's load.
- Remove the battery cable from battery with wrench. Be careful, as older batteries may have corroded residue build up on them.
- Hook the battery load tester to the battery. Place the red cable, which is the positive to the positive terminal, and put the black cable, which is negative, on the negative terminal.
- Test the battery. Select the load option on the tester.
- Check the results. A good battery will have a voltage of at least 12 volts. If you battery is reading lower than 12 then it is not supplying enough power to properly function.
- Charge battery. Charge the battery with an auto battery charger.
- Test the battery again. If the results are still below the average of 12 then you will need to purchase a new battery for your automobile.