Car Battery Test

Is your car slow to start or won’t start at all? At Roskill Auto Mechanical, we offer free car battery testing to give you peace of mind and prevent the hassle of being stranded with a dead battery.

Get in Touch Auto Mechanic Services

Signs Your Car Battery Might Be Failing

Symptoms of a dying battery include:

Slow engine crank
Clicking noise when turning the key
Flickering headlights or dashboard lights
Frequent need for jump-starts
Electrical components malfunctioning
Battery warning light on the dash

If your battery is over three years old, it’s a good idea to have it tested even if it seems fine.

Why Test Your Car Battery?

Your battery powers your ignition, lights, radio, wipers, and electric windows. Over time, batteries weaken and eventually fail. Regular testing helps you:

Avoid being stranded unexpectedly
Detect early signs of failure
Save money by replacing a weak battery early
Keep your vehicle reliable

For Electric Vehicles: What Happens When the Auxiliary Battery Is Low?

Electric vehicles (EVs) rely on both the high-voltage battery for propulsion and a low-voltage auxiliary battery for operating essential systems like lighting, infotainment, and power windows. If the auxiliary battery is low or fails, you may experience issues such as:

Inability to start the vehicle – Without sufficient power, the car may not turn on, even though the main high-voltage battery is fine.
Loss of essential functions – Features like power windows, power steering, and lights may malfunction.
Infotainment system failure – Your vehicle’s display, radio, and navigation may stop working, affecting your driving experience.
Charging issues – In some cases, a low auxiliary battery can disrupt the charging process, preventing the main battery from charging properly.

If your EV is showing any of these signs, it’s likely that the auxiliary battery needs testing or replacing. Don’t wait for more serious issues book an inspection today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to test if a car battery is dead?

One obvious sign that your car battery is flat is the fact that your car won’t start. But don’t jump to conclusions here. There are a number of reasons why your car isn’t starting or is slow to start. A dead battery is just one of these.

The most reliable way of testing whether your car battery is dead is by checking its voltage. The easiest way to do this is by using a voltmeter or a multimeter.

Is your Battery Dead or Is It the starter motor?

Dead Battery: No lights, no dash display, slow or no crank
Faulty Starter Motor: Dash lights on but only a clicking sound when starting

If you’re unsure, we’ll test both to identify the issue and get you moving again.

How long do car batteries last?

Typically 3 to 5 years, depending on driving habits, weather, vehicle type, and trip lengths. Batteries over four years old should be tested yearly.

How we test your battery?

1. Preparation: Ensure the battery is fully charged (at least 75% or 12.4 volts or higher). Disconnect all battery cables from the terminals. Clean the battery terminals if necessary.

2. Connect the Load Tester: Connect the load tester to the battery terminals, ensuring the positive (red) lead goes to the positive terminal and the negative (black) lead to the negative terminal.

3. Apply the Load: Set the load tester to apply a load equivalent to half the battery’s Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) rating. Apply the load for 15 seconds.

4. Check the Voltage: Monitor the voltage on the load tester during the 15-second load period. The battery should maintain a voltage above 9.6 volts while under load.

5. Interpret the Results: If the voltage drops below 9.6 volts during the test, the battery will likely be in poor condition and must be replaced. If the voltage remains above 9.6 volts, the battery is generally considered in good condition.

Book Your Free Car Battery Test Today

Don’t risk being stranded with a dead battery. Contact Roskill Auto Mechanical now to get your battery tested for free and ensure your vehicle starts reliably every time.

Call us now at 09 242 1870 or email us at [email protected] to book your electrical service. or visit our contact us page.

Book Now