Mend > Cars

How can I tell if my car battery is healthy and charged?

The starter battery on my Toyota Auris has failed twice in recent weeks. I have had to jump start the car using jump leads and another car. I suspect the starter battery has not had enough journeys recently to charge it up. (I do too many short journeys.)

The garage tested the battery and said it is not faulty. I have tried to charge it using a battery charger. (Can't really tell if this has charged it up or not.) Is there a way I can tell the general state of battery charge? I'd rather know if I'm likely to breakdown at the side of the road again, or not.

ESM
April 2021

Toyota Toyota Auris Vehicles, Cars Car Charged Starter

Ask the garage to check the alternator is charging the battery correctly. Battery terminal voltage with the engine running should be approx 14V and about 12V without the engine running.

Is the alternator belt in good condition?

Is it tight enough? A squeal from the belt just after you start is one (but not the only) sign it isn't.

Ask the garage to check nothing is drawing current when it shouldn't be, whilst the vehicle is parked up.

Hggr
April 2021