Some battery testers use a slight variation of this technique and send a high frequency signal through the battery to measure its internal resistance. Shorts, opens and other cell defects also affect conductance, so measuring conductance gives an accurate indication of battery condition. As a battery ages, its conductance declines.
Conductance TestersĪnother way to test a battery is to measure its “conductance.” A low frequency alternating current signal sent through a battery can reveal how much plate area is available to hold and deliver power. We also carry household battery testers for your smaller applications. If a vehicle is stored longer than 90 days, its battery should be charged to at least 12.5V, and the negative battery cable should be disconnected, to prevent discharge from parasitic load.
The electronics in the tester monitor how the battery responds to the load, and then the tester decides if the battery is good or bad. Midtronics Battery Tester Software Update Vehicles stored in inventory with their battery cables connected should have their batteries tested every 30 days. This type of tester does not require a fully charged battery because it only applies a small amp load to the battery. That’s one of the drawbacks of a traditional load test – for accurate results, the battery must be at or above 12.45 volts (75% charged) before it is load tested – otherwise it may fail the test.Īnother way to check the battery is with a small handheld electronic load tester. And when the key is off, the battery has to provide a steady supply of voltage to any onboard modules or other accessories that need power. When the engine is running, the charging system can usually produce enough current to meet all of the vehicle’s electrical needs, but when the engine is idling and the lights, heater, defroster, radio or other accessories are placing high loads on the system, additional power may be drawn from the battery if the alternator can’t produce enough juice.
The battery must also be capable of providing backup power for the vehicle’s electrical accessories and electronic modules. Battery charger and tester accessories including cables, carrying cases & printers can be found here including replacement parts for all Midtronics products. That’s why batteries in hot climates usually don’t last as many years as those in more moderate or colder climates. While cold weather can be hard on batteries, so can hot weather because it increases water loss from the electrolyte inside the battery. A weak battery, or one that is rundown, may not deliver enough amps to crank the engine when temperatures plunge and the oil thickens.