Good battery - An important component of the smooth and smooth operation of any modern device. This is especially important for cars, since the battery that stopped working in the middle of the road can significantly complicate life and driver, and passengers. Checking the battery is simple, which does not require special skills action, which will help to avoid similar incidents. Knowledge of how to check the car battery for performance, will be useful when buying a used car, batteries from hand or in a store that does not inspire special trust, when identifying the reasons for the inoperability of any device.

Now there are three main: lithium and alkaline. Of these, it is most often necessary to check the batter on a lead-acid basis, since this type of power supply is commonly used in cars, motorcycles and mopeds.

The time of the greatest vulnerability of such a battery is winter, as the electrolyte consisting of a mixture of sulfuric acid and water is sensitive to cold, and the serviceability of the battery may be at risk. Do not forget that the combination of negative temperature and deep discharge can finish off the battery in as soon as possible. Therefore, it is better not to neglect the battery check and its performance, especially since this is not the most difficult procedure, in contrast to how to check the car battery for closure.

Car Account Checking Methods

Indicator

There are three common ways to check whether the amount of energy is sufficient in the car battery. All methods can be applied at home while compliance with safety. The first and easiest will only suit the happy owners equipped with a special indicator (the same method is used to estimate the level of electrolyte). To do this, it is enough to open the hood and look at the battery.

There are three indicators:

• green - everything is fine, the device is charged, the electrolyte is normal;
• black - the car discharges the battery;
• white - electrolyte is not enough for correct operation.

Such power supplies are more expensive and requires a very good generatorSince sensitive to voltage drop.

Multimeter

Method number 2 also does not require much effort. This is the use of an instrument to verify the state rechargeable battery. This device is called a multimeter and in basic configuration Combines the functions of a volter, ammeter and an ohmmeter. IN expensive models Even more functions, but these three are basic, they are enough to assess the level of charge of the battery. Usually a multimeter is a compact portable device, which can be purchased without any problems in any specialized store.

Methods for checking other common acb

Check technical status Rechargeable batteries are needed not only for cars. Power supplies serving other techniques, especially those who are inoperable, also need to be checked before operation. For alkaline acb, the same load plug is often used as for acid.

To check the container lithium battery, You can either use a special tester, or check the battery under load using a suitable resistor. Next, you need to bring it until complete discharge, picking up and recording the voltage and strength of the current. The result of the test is a graph showing the actual capacity of the AKB. Please note: this method is suitable for technically savvy users.

So, when buying lead-acid batteries in an untested store or with hands, you must carefully examine the acquired thing. First, a careful visual inspection is important. Drinks, cracks, other mechanical damage - reason to refuse to buy. In the future, they may cause full non-working battery.

Secondly, you need checking the voltage at the car battery terminals. For 12 in the battery, this parameter must be at least 13-13.5 V. If below is a discharged power source, and it is not recommended to buy it. You have the right to ask the seller to check new battery In the store, to know exactly what his condition is.

And finally, the date of release. Abroad, this information is not important as important, but in Russia, especially if you buy from a unverified seller, it is better to pay attention to it. There are no uniform standards for applying this labeling, so that may have to search. The accumulators of foreign manufacturers who have fallen into Russia are definitely provided with a guarantee from 12 to 24 months, so after purchasing a new product it is necessary to store a guarantee pass from the store and check until the service time expires.

In the past times, the batteries were so deficient product that the car owners were literally shaking over them, trying to listen with all their mights. In the most experienced, not only distilled water, but also acid was seized. The areaometer was considered a mandatory device, and the charging devices inspired respect among the mass-barber indicators. Honestly, fundamental changes have not suffered since then. But here the owners have contradicted: the most complex device for checking the status of the battery for them is now except that a voltmeter.

It is no secret that for a voltmeter we climb usually when you already ordered a long time to live or on the verge.

What should be the voltage on and how to measure it correctly?

Generally speaking, it is necessary to control the so-called voltage of the open chain (RTC). It is checked on a cold engine with a terminal removed - otherwise where to take an open circuit? But in practice it is often chelluritis: it is done without removing the terminal. It is sinning even the experienced electricians. If you measure the measurements correctly, the PCC should be at least 12.5 V for a battery of any type. At the same time, the voltage most often will be slightly higher.

And if the voltage is lower? Please recharge! After charging and excerpts to the battery disconnected from the charger for 10-15 hours, the PCC should be 12.6-12.8 V. Sometimes there is a little more.

What else can you take? Of course, the voltage with the engine running: it will immediately be clear, there is a charge from the generator or not.

According to the voltmeter testimony, it is clear that the motor works and the generator is alive. 14.53 B - normal flight. If the voltage after starting the engine has become even less than before the motor earned, the generator, alas, does not work. In general, the voltage issued by the generator must be in the range of 14.0-14.5 V. only after starting the engine "cigarette" or towing the voltage can be slightly smaller, because the generator simply does not pull the proper parameters.

According to the voltmeter testimony, it is clear that the motor works and the generator is alive. 14.53 B - normal flight. If the voltage after starting the engine has become even less than before the motor earned, the generator, alas, does not work. In general, the voltage issued by the generator must be in the range of 14.0-14.5 V. only after starting the engine "cigarette" or towing the voltage can be slightly smaller, because the generator simply does not pull the proper parameters.

By the way about recharging. Voltage on terminals after its end will change. For example, at the end of the charge (shortly after disconnecting the charger), it can be 13.5 V, and after a day, it is permissible, 12.6 V. is a normal phenomenon.

When looking at the shape of the battery with which we started a conversation about tension, it immediately becomes clear: there is no longer needed a voltmeter. Pleasured the case due to the freezing of the electrolyte. And although the housing has stood down, but the structure of the battery plates is irretrievably damaged by ice crystals. You have to buy. And just needed either periodically recharge the battery from the network charger, or periodically start the engine. In the second case, accounts for quite a long time, approximately 20-30 minutes after heating, so that the motor worked on increased turns. Otherwise, the energy spent on the work of the starter will not be replenished.

Well, and the ideal version of the long-term storage of the battery in the winter has developed more of our grandfathers. Remove from the car, recharge, store in a cool room and sometimes check the density, in the extreme case, voltage. And like all living things - we are waiting for spring!

Each car owner is sooner or later there are problems with the battery. After a short service life, the battery ceases to perform its functions at the proper level. The reason can be a factory marriage or improper operation of the AKB. In any case, you need to check the battery for performance.

Applying several simple waysYou can determine the status of the battery and understand how long it will still serve. But before checking it, check out the signs of faults and the reasons leading to a reduction in battery performance.

Signs of malfunction of AKB

There are two brightest features of the bush battery. If you see at least one of them, do not ignore, but try to first find out the causes of the problem. With a decrease in functionality, the following features are observed in the operation of the battery:

1. Starter sluggish turns the engine. This may be a sign of the seal battery. Due to the low charge, the motor scrolls with difficulty and a weak spark lacks to set fire to the fuel mixture.
2. The battery began to quickly discharge. It is especially noticeable in winterWhen the charge is enough for only a few starts of the engine. Causal rapid battery energy can be low level electrolyte.

Causes of accumulator performance

1. Bad charging. The generator generates a weak current and cannot be fully charged. To eliminate this problem, you need to contact maintenance.
2. Electrical equipment. Incorrectly connecting the electrical appliances of the car makes it difficult to work acb and shortens its service life.
3. Poor-quality wiring. Machines over time appear with electrical wiring problems. In some places, the wires are wiping or rotated, which leads to a closure and discharge of the battery.
4. Long exploitation. Each device has its own service life, batteries are no exception. After the completion of the guaranteed period of operation in the battery, chemical and physical processes begin: oxidation, sulfate, damage.
5. Poor maintenance of the battery. The lack of periodic observation and cleaning the battery leads to its breakdown or shortening the performance. With proper and high-quality care, the battery will last without breakdown longer.
6. Inattention. Drivers After leaving the machine often leave electrical devices in working condition, such as: light bulbs, indicators, or radio. In the cold season, non-test electrical appliances quickly discharge the battery.

A well-charged battery issues a voltage that matches the documents for it. In most cases, the numbers vary from 12.5 to 12.8 volts, with complete charge.

Some manufacturers assure that voltage in their batteries above 13 V. If you measure the measurement immediately after the battery charge, the numbers can be equal to or exceed 13 volts, but these data are false.

After complete charging, the voltage in the battery exceeds the norms. This is due to the properties of the electrolyte. To obtain accurate data, measure 2 hours after charging the battery.

Instruction:

1. Turn on the multimeter to DC mode.
2. Install the red probe into the current measurement socket in the range from 10a to 20a.
3. Touch your bus terminals.
4. The contact time of the multimeter with the battery should not exceed 2 seconds, otherwise the battery can be spoiled.
5. Check the obtained readings with the data specified in the battery documents.

Checking the battery under load

After measuring the voltage by a multimeter for full diagnostics, you need to check the battery life under load. Measurement is carried out by a special device ( load fork). This device consists of a voltmeter connected to it, load helix and clamp.

Instruction
Connect the clip to the minus battery, and touches the plus terminal. Retrieve the device in this position for five seconds, and remember last result on a voltmeter scale. If the voltage is 9 volts, then the battery is working - they can be used.

Checking the level of electrolyte

For the correct operation of the battery in it there must be a certain amount of fluid. On some models, AKB has marks through which the electrolyte level can be seen: the top (maximum volume), and the lower (minimum volume). If there are no such labels, unscrew the filler plugs and see the level through them.

Instruction

1. The normal level is considered when the electrolyte covers the plates by about 15 mm. For measurement accuracy, you can use the tube with a diameter of 3 mm. Immerse it in the electrolyte, supervised in the plate, and then pull out and see how many millimeters of the fluid level.
2. With an insufficient amount of electrolyte, the plates look like. If you do not even take anything urgently, they dry and destroy - the result: the failure of the entire battery. To increase the level of electrolyte, the fraction of distilled water and charge the battery.

Low density of fluid in the battery as well as its disadvantage affects the level of charge. Water evaporation occurs due to long use or improper charging. To avoid a similar situation, it is necessary to test the electrolyte density once every 3 months.

Measurements are made using a special device (range). The density of the electrolyte in the hot season is always greater than the norm. To obtain an accurate result, measure at air temperature not more than 25 degrees Celsius.

Instruction

1. Remove all battery plug-ins. Then insert the range into each hole, sucking the electrolyte. With a good density, the float will pop up to the green zone of the scale and show the result from 1.26 to 1.30 g / cm3. Remember or write these samples from each hole. If the float drowned to a white or red scale zone, then you need to increase the density.
2. To increase the density, simply charge the battery. In a more serious situation, it is necessary to prepare a new electrolyte (a mixture of water and sulfuric acid). Roll down the old battery electrolyte and fill the new one. At the end, put the battery for charging - there must be no less than a day.

How to extend battery life

Any device can serve much longer if you follow it and serve it in time. For this you need to perform the following actions:

1. Check that the battery is well fixed in its place. Otherwise, microcracks may appear through which the electrolyte will be poured.
2. Once every three months check the level of electrolyte and density.
3. Do not allow complete battery discharge.
4. Take care of the battery from finding in the cold - in the winter, put it in the house.
5. Watch out for the cleanliness of the ventilation holes. If they are clogged, the evaporation remains in the tank, and the battery can burst.

A good battery can serve qualitatively for several years. Follow it and periodically check for performance. For the careful attitude, the battery thanks you a long service life.

Video: How to check the car battery

All rechargeable batteries (AKB) are discharged or come to unsuitability. So that the malfunction does not find you surprise, you need to periodically check the battery. In addition, there are several verification methods. Learn more about how to check the car battery, and it will be discussed in this article.

The battery plays an important role in the work of the car, being one of the main elements of electrical equipment. ACB acts as a current source when disabled Engine. The task of the battery consists in performing several functions, including:

• current supply to starter during car startup;
• nutrition of all electrical appliances with a non-working engine;
• power supply of all electrical appliances together with the generator with the engine running.

On a note! The joint work of the AKB with the generator allows you to provide transient processes that require a large amount of current. In addition, when working in an electric network of a car, a current ripple smoothing.

The principle of operation of the battery is quite simple. Charged particles in the battery start moving after connecting to the load. This leads to the formation of the current. During the charging of the battery from the charger (memory) or generator, the particles begin to move in the opposite direction. This is due to the fact that the charge voltage exceeds the battery voltage, that is, its nominal value.

Signs of battery malfunction

The fact that you sat or broke a battery may indicate some signs, including:

• the engine began to start very sluggish (the starter turns badly). As a rule, this indicates a low battery charge, which is not enough for ignition fuel mixes, since the spark is rather weak;
• battery charge lacks for a long time. Most often with such a problem, motorists are faced in winter timeWhen a fully charged battery is enough for several engine launches. An insufficient electrolyte level is often indicated about the rapid charge charge of the battery.

The car is badly started - acknowledgment of the battery

It is impossible to ignore these signs, since the battery may fail at the most inappropriate time, for example, somewhere far beyond the city. Therefore, at the first signs of faulty work, the AKB must be diagnosed immediately.

Common reasons

The reasons for incorrect operation of the AKB may be much. Consider the most common of them:

• inattention driver. Often, drivers leave their cars with electrical devices included (radio, indicators, light bulbs), which is why the battery is quickly discharged;
• poor device maintenance. If you do not spend periodic cleaning of the battery terminals, the risk of breakage increases. It can also reduce the service life;
• long use. All parts of the car have service life. This also applies to the battery. After warranty period The work of the AKB will end, there may be various processes (sulfate, oxidation, etc.);
• low quality electrical wiring. If a low-quality wiring was installed on the car, then over time, it may rot and sway, which causes a short circuit or the discharge of the battery;
• errors when connecting electrical appliances. It may worsen the operation of the battery and lead to shortening the duration of its service;
• bad operation of the generator. If the generator is defective, then during engine operation, it will not charge the battery normally. To eliminate a malfunction, it is necessary to diagnose.

In most cases, the battery malfunction can be warned. To do this, it is necessary to carry out a timely and repair your cars only in high-quality workshops.

Methods of checking battery

Check the status of the battery can various methods, among which is diagnostics using a load plug, multimeter, charger. Also during the verification process, an external inspection of the battery and the electrolyte check is carried out. Now consider each of the methods separately.

Visual inspection

External inspection is the first thing to do during checking the car battery. At this stage, you can reveal mechanical damage to the case, the oxidation of the terminals or contamination of the surface of the AKB. Specialists recommend pursuing such a check regularly, since the cleanliness of the battery can also affect its operation. The inspection procedure does not take much time with you, so it can be done every time you raise the hood.

On a note! Special attention When inspection, you must pay the battery terminals. A poor connection in these places can cause active oxidation. Inspect also the accommodation case for mechanical damage, for example, cracks.

If you have discovered dust, dirt or oil on the surface of the battery - remove them with a vet. Without regular cleaning, the device will gradually lose charge due to the formation of a conductive plaque. This will lead to a deterioration in the performance of the AKB. It will not be superfluous to check the reliability of fasteners.

Checking the load plug

Step 1. Remove the lid with the plus terminal of the battery. It can be done by hand without using any tools.

Step 2. Connect the plus wire of the load plug to the positive terminal of the battery (the one you are denied). As a rule, on the device, the plus wire is painted in red.

Step 3. Connect the minor wire of the loader to the minus terminal of the rechargeable battery.

Step 4. Connect the tip of the device (pin) to the plus terminal of the AKB. It should be extremely careful, since the metal pin during operation can be very hot.

Step 5. Check the voltage meter reading. If the battery in good conditionThe voltage should be from 12.4 to 12.7 volts. Upon completion of the procedure, you need to install the lid back to the positive terminal.

Checking the density of electrolyte

Checking the electrolyte in the battery is another diagnostic method. To do this, you need to disconnect the terminals from it and put the battery on the smooth surface. Then unscrew all the capacitance covers for the electrolyte and look inside. Under normal circumstances, the fluid level should be slightly above the edge of the lead plates (about 10 mm).

To carry out more accurate measurement, use the areometer or a special graduated tube that you need to put inside the battery until the bottom. After that, close the tube on your finger and pull out the tube to measure the electrolyte level. Norma B. this case - It is 10-15 mm. It is much easier to check with the help of the area. To do this, simply take the electrolyte sample (you can do absolutely from any bank). If everything is in order and the battery is fully proper, the device must show a value in the region of 1.28 g / cm3. The recommended replacement frequency is 1-2 times a year.

Using a multimeter

First you need to deal with what a multimeter is. This is a special device used to measure the voltage. If you do not have such an appliance, it can be borrowed from familiar or neighbors. It is worth noting that the multimeter is not expensive, so if you are planning to independently repair electrical equipment on your car, then you come in handy. It is best for this purpose a digital multimeter is suitable - it is more practical. So, proceed to check.

Step 1. First you need to drown out the car and turn off the ignition.

Step 2. Remove the lid with the plus terminal of the battery. Check and clean the mud terminals if there is a need.

Step 3. Connect the plus key of the multimeter to the plus terminal of the battery. As noted earlier, the positive output on the voltmeter is usually red.

Connect the "plus" multimeter with a battery

Step 4. Connect a minus multimeter wire to a negative battery terminal.

Now connect the "minus" multimeter with battery

Step 5. Check the readings of the multimeter. If your battery is in good condition, the voltage should be from 12.4 to 12.7 volts. The reading is less than 12.4 volts means that the battery needs recharging.

If the testimony exceeds 12.9 volts, then this battery Excess tension. Turn on the headlights and other electrical appliances to eliminate excessive surface voltage charge. As a rule, excess voltage suggests that the car generator is overloaded with the battery. After completing the procedure, set the terminal cover back.

Using a charger

If you have in your garage charger With a digital scoreboard, you can check the battery charge level without using a voltmeter. The procedure is not complicated, each can cope with it. The main rule of such an inspection - the memory should not be connected to the outlet, as this may affect the instrument readings.

To check the battery, you need to connect the charger to its terminals. Accordingly, the plus wire connects to the plus terminal, and the minus one is to minus. After that, turn on the device by pressing the special button on its enclosure. This will start checking, after which read the results obtained.

Checking the battery without special devices

you can check car battery And without the use of various devices. Many manufacturers are installed on batteries Special sensors indicating the charge level. If you do not know how to use such a sensor - check out the instructions. Often, manufacturers place the necessary information to the AcB housing itself.

Another test method - with headlights. Turn on the close light on the cold (cooled) car for 5 minutes and follow the light. Throughout this time, the brightness should not disappear. If the light is still flexible, then this usually speaks of a battery malfunction. The same test, but using the sound signal instead of light headlights. Turn on the ignition and wait 1 minute. After that, snag alarm several times - if the sound is loud, then everything is fine, if quiet, then you need to recharge the battery.

Important! If during the verification process the battery is greatly heated (for this check it onto the touch), then it can be used further to be dangerous for the driver's health. The fact is that the fast heating battery can explode. In this case, it is better not to risk and buy a new battery.

As a conclusion

After reading the instructions, you know how to check the car battery for goodness and that it may be needed for this. But to avoid various malfunctions of the AKB, you need to comply with some recommendations for care and operation:

• regularly diagnose electrical wiring, generator and other onboard network elements;
• follow the level of electrolyte and its density;
• periodically, charging the battery with the help of the memory (every 3 months);
• support the battery clean, regularly remove the accumulated dust, dirt, remnants of electrolyte and oil;
• clean the oxidized battery terminals, processing them after that with a special lubricant, which is used for electrical contacts.

Checking the car battery without special devices

We hope that our article was useful for you, dear motorists, and you have stressed something new for yourself. If you have wishes or additions, then you can leave them below in the comments.

Video - Car Battery Performance Check

The old battery does not meet the requirements, and did you decide to replace it with a new one? But how not to make a mistake in choosing and buy a quality product?

When buying, you need to be vigilant and pay attention to the smallest details. You need to check the battery and other components before purchasing.

External inspection

Carefully inspect the surface of the goods. With incorrect transportation, the material surface is deformed. This can lead to electrolyte leakage. Even a small imperceptible crack during the operation of the battery will skip liquid.

Make a return of goods with visible mechanical damage you can upon presentation warranty Talon or check. Carefully inspect the surface on chips, cracks, scratches and other damage, you will save your own time and strength.

The main role is played by the date of manufacture. It is important that the shelf life of the goods in the warehouse did not exceed six months. If the time is exceeded, then the probability of one hundred percent charge is minimal. The battery partially exhausted its resource and it must be charged. In this case, you can count on a discount from the seller.

Inspection currents

Terminals are equipped with protective covers. The caps are usually installed on the "plus" or on all conclusions. If they are not included, the goods have been exploited earlier.

Terminals must be strictly vertical and perpendicularly located relative to the battery cover. If the current is bent or tilted - the battery has already been used. Most often it happens, if it is strongly tightened by a key terminal, while its integrity is damaged.

The deformed removal will be squeezed from the plates, and it will be not suitable for operation and return.

The main signs of used batteries for currents:

• Skoli.
• Overnight on the surface.
• Visible clips of the terminal.

We recommend visiting the online store pack. Accumulators only top quality directly from the manufacturer. You will be honestly told about the product, help choose and purchase new quality products at affordable prices.

Internet-shop of batteries provides its services in the cities of Belarus: Gomel, Brest, Mogilev, Grodno, Minsk.

Check specialized devices

Before buying, be sure to require the seller to check the battery with a multimeter and a load fork.

To assemble the readings by a multimeter, you must correctly set contacts. The charge is determined by voltage indicator:

• 12.5-13.2 V - the norm for the new battery.
• 12.1-12.4 V - half charge.
• 11.7 V - Akb is discharged.

When checking with, the plug it creates a load as when working. This method is best to check the worniness and the level of charge. Normal indicators that do not fall below 9 volts.

The following conditions affect the battery:

• Air humidity.
• Temperature.
• Dusting of warehouse.

Important! Ask about these characteristics from the seller. Often, only the temperature regime is observed. Because of this, in the first two-month storage, the self-discharge can reach 20-30%.