Why is it important to check your car battery regularly?
Regular battery checks can prevent many problems. Here are some reasons why this task is so important:

Avoiding starting problems
If the battery is not in good condition, starting the car, especially in cold weather, can become difficult. If the voltage or capacity drops, the car may not start at all.

Extended lifespan
Regular checks help identify battery issues early, allowing you to take action in time to prevent a complete battery failure. Proper maintenance can extend the battery’s lifespan and help you avoid unexpected failures.

Increased safety
A faulty battery can leak or, in the worst case, even explode if not addressed in time. Regular checks help avoid these risks.

Why does the battery discharge faster in winter?
Cold weather affects batteries in several ways, causing them to discharge more quickly and requiring a charger more often. There are several reasons for this:

Slowing down of chemical reactions
The chemical processes inside the battery slow down in cold weather, meaning the battery delivers less power. This is especially problematic as more power is needed to start the car in winter.

Higher load
In winter, we use more electrical devices in the car, such as wipers, heaters, seat heaters, or windshield defrosters, which put additional strain on the battery.

Increased self-discharge
In cold weather, batteries tend to self-discharge more, meaning they lose energy faster even when not in use.

How do you check the condition of the battery?
There are several ways to check the condition of the battery:

Checking for visible signs
Inspect the battery for cracks, corrosion, or leaks at the terminals. Corrosion can appear as a white or blue deposit on the battery terminals and lead to poor electrical connections.

Measuring voltage with a multimeter
Measuring voltage is one of the easiest and most reliable methods to determine the battery’s charge level. A fully charged battery typically has a resting voltage between 12.6 and 12.8 V. If the voltage is below 12.4 V, the battery is weak and should be charged or replaced.

Load test
A load test uses a special device to apply an artificial load and monitor how the battery responds. This method shows exactly how well the battery can maintain voltage under load.

Battery testing: What tools are available?
Depending on how you want to check your battery, there are various tools available:

Automatic and digital multimeters
Compared to analog multimeters, these modern versions are easier to use and are ideal for measuring battery voltage. Simply connect the two probes of the multimeter to the appropriate terminals of the battery and read the voltage on the display. In our online shop, you will find numerous excellent multimeters for this purpose.

Battery testers
A special device that not only measures the voltage but also tests the battery under load and shows whether it can deliver the correct current. In the AutoAZ online shop, you’ll find various types of battery testers that provide professional results.

Intelligent battery chargers
The intelligent chargers offered in our range automatically detect the battery’s condition and select the appropriate charging cycle. These devices prevent overcharging or undercharging, significantly extending the battery’s lifespan.

Summary: What have we learned about automatic battery chargers?
Checking and maintaining the battery is an essential step to ensure the vehicle’s reliability, especially in winter.
With regular checks, unpleasant starting problems can be avoided, and the battery’s lifespan can be extended.
With the multimeters and testers available in our online shop, you can check the condition of your battery yourself without having to visit a workshop.