What Is the Voltage of a Car Battery?
Your car battery has many important roles. It’s what gets your car moving, and it’s what helps the electrical components of your car work. As any battery does, your car battery also has a certain voltage that can determine its overall health.
For Stratham, Portsmouth, and Exeter, New Hampshire, drivers curious about what their car battery voltage is, we at BMW of Stratham put together this quick guide. Read on to learn all about the car battery voltage and how our team can help with any battery service!
Your Car Battery Voltage
When you start your car, what do you hear? If it’s your engine roaring to life, that means your car battery is working as it should. Your car battery is responsible for providing the power needed to start your vehicle—but what is the voltage of this battery?
Like any battery, your car battery holds an electrical charge. When your car is turned off, the resting voltage of a typical 12-volt car battery should be around 12.6 volts. When you’re driving, the car battery voltage experiences a boost—usually around 13.5 to 14.5 volts—as this electrical energy is converted into mechanical energy by the alternator.
If your car battery voltage reads below 12.4 volts, you may need a battery repair or replacement to ensure your car can run properly.
How Do I Know If My Battery Voltage Is Low?
If you suspect your car battery voltage is low, there are a few ways you can check it. The easiest way to make sure the voltage is where it should be is to have one of our technicians check it. A quick battery test can be performed during any routine maintenance. You can also use a voltmeter to check the voltage yourself.
You can also keep an eye out for a few signs that your battery voltage is low, such as:
- Your headlights are dim
- You hear a clicking sound when you turn the key
- You need to press on the gas pedal to start the car
- Your car is backfiring
Your car’s overall performance is dependent on the battery, so if you notice any of the above signs, it’s a good idea to reach out to our technicians for help.
Our Service Center Can Help
Your car battery isn’t meant to last forever. If you’re noticing a slower performance or a low voltage, it may be time to schedule a battery replacement. Luckily, our service center can take on any of your car battery needs.
Our BMW technicians know the ins and outs of your car battery. When you schedule a battery service with us, they’ll make sure everything is working properly, so you can continue driving around these New Hampshire roads and beyond.
You can use our website to book your service appointment today with our online scheduler or reach out to our team with any questions!
Schedule Battery Service Today
Your car battery works hard to help you travel around Stratham, Portsmouth, and Exeter, NH. At BMW of Stratham, we can help your car battery stay up to speed.
Contact us to schedule a service appointment today!
