My Mechanic Said I Need A Battery Load Test. What Does That Mean?

Posted on January 15, 2024 in Auto Repair, Maintenance

No matter how well you treat your vehicle, car batteries will wear out every few years and need to be replaced. Before you go out and buy a new car battery at your local auto parts store, it’s important to investigate with your mechanic to make sure that's the right fix for your existing car battery. A battery load test is a great preliminary assessment.

When should I get a battery load test?

If your battery is weak or rundown, it may not deliver enough charge to crank the engine and “turn over” the alternator. Your mechanic will run a battery load test to determine the battery’s voltage and ensure it’s releasing enough charge. As long as battery voltage remains above 9.6 volts, the battery is considered “good.” But if it drops below 9.6 volts by the end of the test, the battery may be “bad,” or the battery may have to be recharged and retested if it was not fully charged prior to the test.

At V&F

Keeping up with regular maintenance, like battery charging and replacement, can help to extend the life of your vehicle—and prevent costly repairs in the future. V&F Auto has been serving the Western Mass community since 1988. As a family-owned and operated business, we treat our customers like family. Our auto repair services are backed by an industry-leading 3-year / 36,000-mile warranty on parts and labor—and our team will go above and beyond to meet your needs. Call us at (413)314-2280 or schedule an appointment online.