Does Your Car Battery Have a Full Charge?

March 12 2019, Paillé GM

Car batteries need to have a voltage of at least 12.6 in order to provide enough power to start the engine. Over time, battery voltage decreases. Extreme heat and cold also lower your battery's voltage.

Testing your battery's voltage allows you to replace it before it dies. To do this, you will need a handheld voltmeter or multimeter. Open your car's hood. Connect the meter's black probe to the negative battery terminal and the red probe to the positive terminal. If the voltage is less than 12.6, it's time for a new battery.

Stop in to see us at Automobiles Paille for a car battery test. Our technicians can also check your connections and alternator. If it turns out that your battery has a low charge, we have a full range of replacement options.

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