Tech Tips 7: Does my battery need to be replaced?

How to properly test your battery to determine if it is dead or recoverable.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• battery tester
• automotive battery

[jrmcferren]

I think you mean 13.5 volts 14.5 is excessive. Might be lower on a hot day on newer cars, mine goes as low as 13.1 on hot days.

[OptimaBatteries]

@jrmcferren Alternator output of about 13.7-14.7 volts is considered acceptable

[HorizonsUnlimited]

The charging voltage should jump to 14.5V or higher? How much higher? That is one sure way to get most batteries to gas, especially in warmer climates. Little wonder owners are getting a mere 3 or 4 years out of a battery.

[OptimaBatteries]

@HorizonsUnlimited Alternator output of about 13.7-14.7 volts is considered acceptable

[TranceNotes]

Great video. Very useful. Thank you!

[HorizonsUnlimited]

@OptimaBatteries It may be considered acceptable, but not optimum for maximum battery life. You mean at the lower limit the battery will have the same life as at the upper limit? I wonder.

BTW, since I am getting 16 years out of a plain flooded lead acid battery (daily driver car), how much longer can I expect out of an Optima?

[pronoob76]

nice vid

[calvinkingjr]

Yellow Tops are close to $300 at Advance & AutoZone. Had a WalMart EverMaxx last 7 years and spent only $60 running 2 amplifiers. These are mostly just for show IMO. Great info though in the video.

[AtanasiuGabriel]

this is the best video ever !!! good job !!!

[eeiko321]

Great video!

Nice and simple and affective!

Keep it up