Testing Your Battery

Assessing how much life is left in your battery doesn't have to involve guesswork. A voltmeter can be used to test the state of charge and let you know whether it's time to get a replacement. There are digital and analog voltmeters widely available, with digital models being easier for most to read. Digital is the direction that we often point our customers in at Brunswick Mazda.

After making sure everything is turned off, connect the positive test lead to the battery's positive terminal. Then, connect the negative test lead to the negative terminal. A reading should appear almost instantaneously.

You're looking for a reading of at least 12.4 volts. This means that the battery can accept and hold a charge. A reading of anything less means that you should get a replacement. You may be able to use your battery for a bit longer, but it's a good idea to play it safe so you're not stranded somewhere.