Do it yourself
Frequently asked questions about cars and motorcycles
Car tutorial (Do it yourself) Motorcycle tutorial (Do it yourself) Frequently Asked Questions

How to Tell if Your Car Battery Needs Replacing

Model: (Various brands) Various
Part: Battery

Video tutorial

This video provides interesting technical insights to understand a key concept: the open circuit voltage is not enough to judge the health of a car battery. Here’s how to tell if the battery really needs changing: the engine struggles to turn over, prolonged cranking; dim lights when attempting to start; Start & Stop not functioning; intermittent electronic errors; battery over 4 to 5 years old. The resting measurement should be 12.6V at full charge: 12.4V at 75% charge; 12.2V indicates a flat or deteriorated battery.

Visually check for swelling of the casing, heat damage, or leakage, which indicates corrosion on the terminals; if the battery is serviceable and you see exposed plates. A professional load tester is essential, measuring internal resistance that increases with age, simulating a load as during starting, calculating the cold cranking amps, and if it is below 50%, then the battery needs replacing.

Modern AGM/EFB batteries have different charge voltages, and if replaced, you must reprogram the ECU with an OBD tool. Remember that a standard battery in place of an AGM will deteriorate in a few months.


Posted on 19 August 2026 by ScegliAuto


Related tutorials

How to Tell if Your Car Battery Needs Replacing
How to Tell if Your Car Battery Needs Replacing
(Various brands) Various Let's look at the signs that indicate when your car battery needs replacing. We will also use a tester, an essential tool for many uses, which costs …
How to Tell if a Car Spark Plug is Malfunctioning?
How to Tell if a Car Spark Plug is Malfunctioning?
(Various brands) Various Today, with the help of this video, you will learn how to tell if a spark plug in your engine is malfunctioning. As we know, when we feel vibrations …
How to Check if the Battery and Alternator are Working Correctly
How to Check if the Battery and Alternator are Working Correctly
(Various brands) Various To determine if the alternator and battery of your vehicle are functioning correctly, you need to obtain a high-voltage tester. Connect the red lead …

Other guides you may be interested in

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Vari - Where is the battery located on the Sym Jet X 125? Read answer
    • Vari - Where is the battery located on the Yamaha Xenter 125? Read answer
    • Vari - Where is the battery located in the Sym Jet X? Read answer
    • Vari - Where is the battery located in the Piaggio Beverly? Read answer
    • Vari - Where is the Sym Symphony 125 battery located? Read answer
    • Vari - Where is the battery of my Piaggio Medley 150? Read answer

How to Remove the Rear Seat of a Hyundai Tucson?

To remove the rear seat of a Hyundai Tucson, follow these steps. Start by moving the front seats to their most forward position to gain space. Next, locate the release lever on the underside of the rear seat, near the floor. Press this lever down while pulling the seat upwards to unlock it from the anchor pins. Once unlocked, tilt the seat upwards and forwards to remove it from its position. Repeat this process for both sides of the rear seat. Be careful of any electrical cables or components that may be connected to the seat during removal. Once the rear seat is removed, the disassembly is complete.

Watch the video!


by ScegliAuto

More videos