How to Use a Battery Load Tester for Your Car

A car battery is very important. It provides the power to start your engine and run all the electrical parts. If your battery is not working right, your car may not start. According to the folk over at Clore Automotive, using a battery load tester is the best way to check if your car’s battery is still good or needs replacing. 

What is a Battery Load Tester?

A battery load tester is a tool that puts a load or drain on the battery to test it. It can tell you if the battery has enough power and capacity left or if it needs to be replaced. The load tester has a meter display that shows you the battery condition.

Choosing a Load Tester

Battery load testers come in different types. Simple ones just have an adjustable load dial with an indicator light that comes on if the battery passes the test. More advanced digital testers display the actual voltage readings under load. These provide the most accurate testing. Choose an advanced digital tester for the best results.

Safety Tips

Before using a battery load tester, be sure to follow these safety tips:

• Wear eye protection as batteries can spark.
• Do not smoke or work near open flames during testing.
• Make sure there is plenty of ventilation.

How to Use a Load Tester

Follow these steps to properly test your car battery with a load tester:

• Turn off the ignition switch and all accessories in your car. Also turn off headlights. This allows for accurate testing without other power draws.
• Locate battery terminals. Identify positive (+) and negative (-) terminals. The battery may be under the hood or in the trunk.
• Connect the tester red clamp to the positive (+) battery post. Connect the tester black clamp to the negative (-) battery post. Make sure clamps have a tight connection.
• Select load testing level on tester if adjustable. Turn the tester on and watch voltage meter display.
• Apply tester load for 15 seconds. The voltage result will be displayed on the meter.
• Compare voltage result to the tester’s “Good/Weak/Bad” battery ranges. This will indicate if your battery passes or fails.

Interpreting Test Results

The load test results will tell you if your battery is still good or needs replacement. Here is what the voltage readings usually mean:

• 9.6 volts or above = Good battery.
• 9.5 to 9.3 volts = Weak battery.
• Below 9.3 volts = Bad battery.

A good reading means your battery has enough capacity to start your engine. Weak or bad results mean it’s time for a new battery.

What to Do With a Bad Battery

If the load tester shows your car’s battery is bad, it means the battery does not have enough power left to start your engine properly. A dead or weak battery will need to be replaced right away. After installing a new battery, let your car run for 15-30 minutes to charge the battery up before full use of the electrical system. Then you can retest with a battery load tester to confirm your new battery is in good condition.

When to Retest Your Battery

You should load-test your car battery every 1-2 years or if you notice any starting problems. Testing annually helps prevent getting stranded with a dead battery. Regular battery testing with a load tester lets you monitor battery health.

Conclusion

Using a battery load tester is easy with some basic steps for safe and accurate testing. Load testers give you volt meter results revealing true battery condition for starting ability. Testing your car battery yearly or if you have starting trouble can help avoid breakdowns.