How to Test a Car Battery

How to Test a Car Battery Using a Multimeter

Set the voltmeter to 20 DC volts.
Under the hood, touch the negative terminal (black) with the negative meter probe (also black).
Touch the positive terminal (red) with the positive meter probe (also red).
Have a friend turn on the headlights and check the voltmeter reading.
At 80℉, 12.5 volts or higher means your battery is fully charged. 12.3 volts means it’s at about 75% charged. 11.8 volts or lower means you have 25% charge or less.

Luckily, at our Toyota service center, we provide complimentary battery checks if you don’t want to do it yourself! So, if you’d like to get your car battery tested, we recommend scheduling service online now! An added perk of bringing your vehicle to us is that we provide high-quality Toyota OEM batteries!

How to Test a Car Battery Using The Headlight Test

While this method of car battery testing isn’t anywhere near as accurate as learning how to use a multimeter, it will do in a pinch. Here’s what to know about using the “headlight test” to check the strength of your car battery:

Turn on the engine, keep the car in park, and make sure the headlights are on.

Rev the engine and see if the headlight brightness changes.

If the headlights get brighter, that means the current is not strong enough to keep the lights at normal brightness while the car is idling.

Take your car to a service center at this point for further assessment.

Luther Brookdale Toyota Can Help With Your Battery Needs!

Now that you’ve had a chance to read more about how to test a car battery with two common methods, we invite you to bring your vehicle to us if you have any questions! Of course, we’re always happy to provide you with a complimentary battery check if you don’t have a multimeter or a buddy to help you use the headlight test. We even offer no contact drop off for a hassle-free experience!

Toyota Service Coupons in Brooklyn Center

Tire Rotation Special

$24.95

Please present at time of write up. Plus tax and shop supplies. Not valid with other offers or no prior sales.

$5 Off Any Oil Change

Please present at time of service write up. Plus tax and shop supplies. Not valid with other offers or on prior sales.

Alignment Special

$119.95

plus s.s. and tax

Please present at time of service write up. Plus tax and shop supplies. Not valid with other offers or on prior sales.

Complimentary Alignment Check

Contact Us
Schedule Service
Print Coupon Complimentary Alignment Check

Timing Belt Special

$25 Off

With every timing belt replacement, we will inspect the drive belts and the water pump.

Please present at time of write up. Plus tax and shop supplies. Not valid with other offers or no prior sales.

Battery Inspection

$10 Off Battery Replacement

No Cost Inspection

Please present at time of write up. Plus tax and shop supplies. Not valid with other offers or no prior sales.

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