This article is a quick instruction for car drivers to know how to choose an applicative battery tester.
Having your car’s battery unexpectedly die can be critical in your day. When your car battery dies, you probably cannot start the engine. If you notice that nothing happens when you turn the key, then you could be dealing with a dead battery. Imagine that it might happen when you're in a tight working schedule. Therefore, you want to make sure your battery is in good working condition and maximize its life.
A car battery tester is a cost-efficient method to test your battery, making sure it’s in good shape before you set up on a journey. We know that people might feel confusing when choosing the right model for your vehicle. In this article, we'll give you some suggestions about how you can pick up one from various battery testers in the market.
This is not a commercial.
Battery compatibility
For most users, you don't really need a hi-end battery tester but the particular model suitable for the batteries for your vehicles. For your car, you need a 12-volt battery tester. If you have more than one car or own a motorcycle, you will have to choose a model working with 6-volt and 12-volt. Also, check the type of battery such as lead-acid, AGM, gel, etc.
CCA rating
CCA is a rating used to define the ability to start an engine in cold temperatures (0°F). Typical CCA readings for a car range from 350 to 600A. It should be marked on the battery or at least on the specification manual.
Easy to use
We will suggest that you test the battery with it outside the engine bay considering safety. However, if you need to keep the battery connected in the vehicle, please make sure the battery is fully charged. You might feel frustrated when checking the reading for leads are often quite short.
Safety
The reaction time should be less than 10 seconds. Holding the switch button too long might melt the plastic components because of the high heat. Some types of battery tester will smoke when you connect the tester with the battery. There’s nothing wrong with it but you can compare them with different brands and comments about the design.
Readings
According to market research, we find that most people prefer analog readouts more than digital ones. When using an analog battery load tester, it can be difficult to judge the exact position of the needle. I’m looking forward to a delicate design that could improve the problem by giving the needle a pause for users to judge the exact position more conveniently. Otherwise, digital screens give great precision and are easy to read in all light conditions with backlit.
Added value features
You can also find some models with a printer, or Bluetooth and USB connectivity. It depends on if you want to keep the record for a period of time. Normally, professionals or repair shops will pay more to have this kind of function.
Price
A good battery load tester helps you saving money by reducing the frequency of replacing batteries for your vehicle. One of the crucial criteria you should consider is the price. I’m not saying that you should buy the cheapest. Instead, I would rather pick a mid-price product that is safe, easy to use, and durable. Those fancy functions may not be necessary, but I would prefer a brand that is willing to improve the quality consistently.