When to replace 12v car battery

Here are some tips on knowing when to exchange an old car battery with a new one:

1. Battery Lifespan - Car battery in Malaysia usually last for 2-3years, although some can last for up to 4-5years... So better to change the battery every 2 years to prevent any failure on startup your car during your journey...

2. Cold Weather - Weak battery normally cannot start smoothly, usually need to start a fews times..

3. Voltage less than 12v - Test your car battery with a multimeter(voltmeter)....

Here are the normal voltage for a working condition car 12 battery :

Idle : 12.6V-12.8v

After startup : 14v -15v

Check your battery by using a multimeter(will normally cost you RM20-25 for the multimeter) :

State of charging:

12.6-12.8v - 100% charged

12.5v - 75%

12.2v - 50%

12.05v - 25%

less than 12v - 0%

Why you need to check with multimeter??

Sometimes is not the battery that need to be replace, sometimes is the alternator that fail to charge the battery when your car is running...

4. Clicking sound & Cranking sound when startup - Indicate that your car battery almost reach it lifetime usage..

5. Battery casing damage - Due to leaking acid...


6. Ignition startup delay - Turn your key then suddenly feel like need 2 seconds to start... May be is the battery, if not will be the starter... (This works for me)

There are also at least 2 type of car battery - lead acid type & another is maintenance free type..

If you are a person who less caring of your car battery, better go for maintenance free type... But if you prefer cheaper one, then lead acid type would be your choice...

Finally, i think almost all car driver need to spare themselves with a set of jumper cable in case emergency...