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The best practice with a battery is to test have it tested every year. It is not recommended to wait until problems arise. Proactive testing as often as twice a year can help reduce the change you find yourself stranded on the side of the road with a dead battery or inoperable vehicle. Getting a battery test takes little to no time and most tire retailers and auto parts store can perform it for no charge. Shamrock Tire & Auto Repair can test your battery for no charge. New Car Battery Wichita>>

Fully Charged Batteries Should Have 12.6+ Volts

A Fully charged automotive battery should measure at least 12.6 volts. A running engine should measure as high as 13.7 to 14.7 volts. One way to check the voltage of your battery when you do not have a miltimeter (Check the voltage of the car battery with this device), is to turn on the headlights. If they are dim, it is likely they are running off the batter and no charge is being produced by the alternator. An indicator that the alternator is producing some juice is if the lights get brighter as you rev the engine. When the lights have normal brightness and do not change intensity as the engine is revved, your charging system is probably functioning normally. The next thing you will need to verify is if the battery is holding a charge, and then if something on the vehicle is discharging it.

Performing A Load Test

To pass a load test, the battery must maintain 9.6 volts at 15 seconds when tested at one-half the CCA rating and 70°F (or above). This test must be done with a true load (carbon pile) and not one of the hand-held testers that work off a conductance algorithm. The test must be run with the battery in a high state of charge. Testing a battery is easy with the right equipment. Shamrock can perform a battery test for you. Find am Interstate Battery Retailer near you.