Garage Standard Car Battery Inspection Procedure

Battery electrical system is one of the important and indispensable components in every car. It plays a key role, providing the electrical energy needed to start the engine, operate electronic devices, lights and many other functions on the vehicle. Therefore, regularly checking the condition of the battery is essential to ensure the vehicle operates safely and efficiently.

The car battery testing process includes steps such as: checking the electrolyte solution level, checking the status of terminals and connectors, measuring voltage, measuring capacity and checking the battery's charging ability. Common errors such as weak, damaged or leaking batteries will directly affect the vehicle's ability to start and operate. Therefore, checking and replacing the battery on time is very important to ensure safe and stable vehicle operation.

So how do we know? car battery has been broken? What is the test process like? Together Thanh Phong Auto Answer the question above through the article below!

Causes of Damage to Battery Batteries

Battery life is reduced for the following reasons:

• Infrequent maintenance causes the tank to run out of electrolyte. To avoid this situation, you should bring your car in for regular maintenance throughout its use so that the battery is checked for regular operation.
• Improper maintenance of the battery can potentially affect the life of the battery (the equipment is often damaged and difficult to recover).
• Using a battery that is not suitable for each vehicle model.
• Explosion due to poor contact with equipment, motor or short circuit. If this is the case, you can fill up with distilled water for temporary use and should replace it immediately to be safe.

Features of Identifying Damaged Car Batteries

To know if the battery is working properly, consider the following signs:

• It is difficult to start the car in the morning: after a long night, the car engine does not work, so the battery is not charged. Therefore, when starting the car in the early morning will require a larger amount of friction and amps than usual. If the car starts poorly in the early morning, it is recommended to check the battery because the battery's ability to provide electricity may be weakened.
• Engine starting is weak and takes longer than usual. Or, if the car has been operating for more than 30 minutes and turns off, restarting right away is still difficult, the battery is likely to fail.
• The battery is leaking, cracked, bulging.
• Car lights are not bright enough, electronic devices work weakly or stop working.
• Hear the clicking sound when starting the car.
• The battery terminals are covered with white powder.
• The battery is smelly.
• The electrolyte is leaking or the electrolyte level is not up to the standard.
• On the taplo meter, the battery warning light is on.

Instructions for Checking Correctly Damaged Car Batteries

1. Use a voltmeter to measure battery voltage

The voltmeter is used to measure the potential difference between the positive and negative terminals of the plate through the following steps:

• Turn off the power completely with the shutdown operation.
• Remove the battery cover and clean the two terminals.
• Match the poles of the voltmeter to the tank.
• Check the parameters and read the results on the voltmeter to make the correct conclusion:
• The voltmeter shows 12.4V – 12.7V: the battery is working fine.
• Voltmeter shows lower than 12.4V: battery needs to be charged.
• Voltmeter shows <9.6V: damaged battery, needs to be replaced.

2. Check battery contact with a circuit meter

Lead acid batteries need to maintain power throughout to ensure proper operation. If possible, try charging the battery for several days in a row. If the battery cannot be fully charged, it proves that the battery electrode plates have been sulfated. This reduces voltage and affects battery life..

3. Check the battery containing the activated carbon cylinder

• When checking batteries with activated carbon cylinders, make sure that the water level of the electrolyte solution is fully charged and the battery is fully charged.
• Test the starting amperage (CCA) when the tank is still cold, if it is above 9.6 V, the tank is still good, if it is less than 9.6 V, it means that the tank is damaged.

4. Using an electronic watch

Use an electronic meter to test the tank to find out the following parameters:

• Actual volume of the vessel.
• Electrode plate charge.
• Ability to supply current.

>>> Note: When checking with an electronic watch, remember to fully charge the battery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How often should the car battery be checked?

To make sure Car battery to operate stably, you should periodically check it every 3-6 months, or every time you go for vehicle maintenance. Regular testing helps detect potential problems early and prolong battery life.

2. How to properly clean the battery?

Cleaning the battery includes the following steps:

• Remove the battery from the vehicle and place it on a flat surface.
• Use a clean cloth to clean dirt and grease from the surface of the tank and the terminals.
• Mix a solution of baking soda and water in a ratio of 1:5, use a brush to clean stains and rust.
• Dry with a soft towel and install the tank back in the car.

3. What type of water should be used to fill the battery?

Only use pure distilled water to fill the battery. Absolutely do not use tap water or other types of water because they contain minerals and impurities that can damage the battery. The water level needs to be equal to the Upper and Lower levels on the tank.

4. If the battery is swollen, should we continue to use it?

Should not. A swollen battery is a sign of a serious problem and needs to be replaced immediately. Continued use may cause an electric shock or even a dangerous fire or explosion. Take the car to the garage to replace the battery with a new one.

5. How to handle when the battery leaks fluid?

Leaking batteries need to be handled according to the following steps:

• Wearing gloves and goggles, wipe up the leaked solution with a towel.
• Mix a solution of baking soda and water and use a brush to thoroughly scrub the leak site.
• Dry, check the leak location and add distilled water if needed.
• If there is a lot of leakage, you should replace the battery with a new one to ensure safety.

6. Does the battery need to be charged when the vehicle is rarely used?

Have. If the car is left unused for more than 2 weeks, the battery will gradually discharge itself. It is necessary to recharge periodically with a specialized charger to maintain voltage and prolong battery life. If left without charging for too long, the battery may be completely damaged.

7. Can another brand's battery be replaced for the car?

Yes, as long as the new battery has specifications compatible with the vehicle such as voltage, capacity, and size. However, to ensure optimal quality and performance, you should choose a genuine or manufacturer-recommended battery.

8. How to preserve the battery when not using the vehicle for a long time?

Ways to properly preserve batteries when not in use:

• Remove the battery from the car, clean it and dry it.
• Fully charge the battery before storing.
• Place the jar in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Periodically check and recharge the battery once every 3-4 weeks.

9. What are the signs that the vehicle's alternator (battery charger) is having problems?

Identifying signs such as:

• The battery indicator light on the dashboard lights up continuously when the engine is running.
• Headlights are weak, electrical equipment is ineffective.
• The battery often runs out of charge even after driving long distances.
• There is a burning smell and smoke coming from the generator belt area.

10. Address for checking and replacing batteries with good reputation and good prices in HCM?

If you don't have the experience, capacity or time to test, you can come to us – Thanh Phong Auto to get the best support. As a large and long-standing center in Ho Chi Minh City, Thanh Phong Auto Confident with the service of inspection - repair - replacement of car batteries:

• Capable of handling all types of tanks and vehicles.
• Accurate test results – specific advice on repair/replacement plans (if any) and a clear quote.
• Replace genuine bottles imported from level 1 distribution agents.
• Fast work completion time, enthusiastic - attentive staff.
• Competitive price.

The article summarizes how check the battery effective. Contact Thanh Phong Auto immediately for more specific advice on issues related to batteries and other car parts. You can refer to the article sharing these Note on car battery repair & maintenance Safest and most effective.