Without a working Audi car battery, you'd be stranded without a ride in the Miami, Hollywood, or Miami Beach areas. Therefore, it's good to know how to check your car battery voltage on a regular basis.
Below, we'll tell you exactly how to complete this maintenance work. Then, you'll learn of its importance and how often it should be completed.
Read through this simple step-by-step guide from Audi North Miami. Then, be sure to contact us with any questions you might have.
Supplies That You Need to Check Battery
Before you can get started, there are a few items needed to safely check battery voltage. You'll want to grab a digital multimeter, safety glasses, and protective gloves.
The multimeter can measure two or more electrical values:
- Principally voltage (volts)
- Current (amps)
- Resistance (ohms)
By using this simple yet effective piece of equipment, you can easily determine the state of your vehicle's battery.
Steps to Check Your Car Battery Voltage
Once you have all the supplies you need on hand, it's time to get started. Make sure your Audi is completely shut off and has been resting for a good while.
Then, when you're ready to go, you'll want to complete these steps.
Step 1: Locate the Battery & Check Its Condition.
First, you'll want to look for the battery under the hood of your Audi. Check close to the fender in the front, first. However, some batteries can be situated in out-of-the-way spots, such as the trunk. If you have trouble finding your battery, take a quick look at your owner's manual.
After you've found the battery, look it over to make sure there's no erosion or leaks. If you find any erosion on the battery, scrub it with baking soda and water. If there are signs of a leak, the battery will need to be replaced.
Plus, make sure there are no wrenches, screwdrivers, or other metal objects touching any of the terminals since this may result in a short.
Step 2: Hook Up the Multimeter.
The black and red leads from the multimeter go to the corresponding black and red battery cables. Another way to help you remember is black is negative and red is positive. Put plainly, always put negative with negative and positive with positive. Finally, make sure the meter is set to DC volts.
Step 3: Check the Test Results.
On your multimeter's screen, you'll see a voltage reading. Here is what each reading means in terms of your battery's charge:
- 12.66 volts: 100% charged
- 12.45 volts: 75% charged
- 12.24 volts: 50% charged
- 12.06 volts: 25% charged
- 11.89 volts: 0% charged
With any reading higher than 12.45 volts, your battery is considered to be fully charged. If your reading is lower than 12.45 volts, charge your battery and test it again.
If you do recharge the battery, a good rule to follow is to let the battery sit overnight and check the voltage again in the morning. If your battery doesn't hold the charge within that length of time, you'll know there's something draining it. In that case, you'll want to see an automotive technician as soon as possible.
Save on your next car battery replacement with our Audi service specials…
Why It's Important to Check Battery Voltage
If you're having trouble starting your Audi or keeping the battery charged, there may be an issue with the starting or charging system. However, it's often with the battery itself. This could be from the following:
- Old age
- Corroded terminals
- Acid buildup
- Battery case damage
Since there are so many different variables to consider, it's important to see if the battery holds a charge. If it doesn't, then the battery is failing and needs to be replaced as soon as possible.
When to Check Your Vehicle's Battery
The car battery voltage should be checked every six months or so, so it doesn't die when you least expect it.
Batteries are made up of multiple cells and will gradually go bad as the individual cells start to die off. By checking the voltage routinely, you can remain one step ahead at all times.
Signs You Need a New Battery
If your Audi battery has less than a 50% charge, it may not have enough power to crank the engine and start the car. If this is the case, then it could mean that the battery has been drained. If so, you can try jump-starting the engine to recharge the power.
However, if the battery is several years old, that process may not work. In that case, you'll want to have it replaced.
Aside from the battery not holding a charge, there are other ways to determine when a replacement is needed. They include:
- Clicking Noises
When you go to start your car, the battery sends a current to an electrical component called the starter solenoid to signal that the car is to be turned on.
If the battery is failing, it'll have difficulty performing this operation. A clicking noise may then be heard if the starter doesn't get enough power from the battery.
- Dim Lights
A battery not only starts the car, but it also powers all the electrical components inside it. If anything isn't working at 100%-like if the headlights are dimmer than normal-then the battery may be failing.
- Backfiring
A dying car battery can cause intermittent sparks, which would lead to fuel accumulating in the cylinders.
When the built-up fuel is ignited, it's done so suddenly and with increased force. This reaction would cause the vehicle to backfire.
While there are several causes behind this issue, it could be from the battery-and that's why you'll want to test it to know for sure.
- Check Engine Light
The check engine light may appear on the vehicle's dashboard if the battery power is weak. However, this warning light may also appear if a sensor is malfunctioning or the engine is misfiring.
Regardless of the cause, if the light pops up on the dash, get the car checked out right away.
Schedule Car Battery Service Today!
If you're in Miami, Hollywood, or Miami Beach and have any questions, don't hesitate to ask one of our seasoned professionals at Audi North Miami. We're trained and ready to answer any inquiries and perform maintenance on your car battery or any other vehicle area.
Don't wait. Schedule a service appointment today to help keep your Audi running smoothly on the road at all times!
