Car batteries provide the electrical power needed to start a vehicle’s engine and power its electrical systems. Over time, car batteries can lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to difficulty starting the engine or even complete failure. Checking the voltage of a car battery is a simple and inexpensive way to assess its health and ensure that it is functioning properly.
The voltage of a car battery is typically between 12 and 13 volts when the engine is off. When the engine is running, the voltage should be between 13.5 and 14.5 volts. If the voltage is below 12 volts, the battery may be discharged and may need to be recharged or replaced. If the voltage is above 14.5 volts, the charging system may be overcharging the battery, which can also damage the battery.