It’s clear that a car requires a battery diagnosis from time to time so you could avoid a problem with the battery discharge. In case if the battery is fussed up, it’s pretty clear that the engine cranking will be impossible, so there will be a need to seek the assistance of the best jump starter, especially during subzero temperatures. The battery voltage of your machine, as well as its capacity, are the most significant indicators of the car assembly, as its functionality and working quality directly depend on it. The batteries are used to start the power unit, so every car owner should be aware of the normal car battery voltage, constantly maintaining it in normal condition.
It is desirable to test the battery voltage at least once in two months. Actually, the minimum voltage required to start a car is the one that turns the crankshaft in one cycle. It also should be noted that modern cars don’t have a voltage measurement. Therefore, you will need to use any device that is capable of defining the voltage range (a multimeter, for instance).
The Minimum Voltage Range To Start a Car
In general, while both the engine and the generator are in the working state, the voltage of the battery should be within 13.7 – 14.2V. If more, then it is harmful to the battery, if less, then it is not fully recharged.
However, what is the minimum voltage to start a car? There is no exact answer to the question. In the standard state, a fully charged battery should show a 12.6-12.7V. Depending on the specific conditions, this indicator may slightly change, and there is nothing wrong with that. For example, some manufacturers assure that their products have a voltage of about 13 – 13.2V, but you should not measure it immediately after charging the battery. Many experts assure, you need to wait at least for an hour, then it should drop from 13 to 12.7V.
When the atmospheric temperature drops, the battery current drops as well. In this case, the voltage is difficult to estimate, but it also slightly falls down, and if it is less than 11.5V, then it indicates that the battery is discharged by 50%. In this case, the device will need an urgent charging, since its usage in such state will lead to the plate sulfation, which in turn will reduce the working capacity of the battery and the duration of its exploitation.
However, even with a low voltage range, it is quite possible to start a car. If the battery is in ain good fettle, it doesn’t need repair, and the generator provides battery charging during the engine work, it can be safely started.
Nevertheless, if the voltage level hits below 11.6V, and the battery is almost completely discharged, its further usage without recharging and performance check is impossible. However, in practice, the normal voltage for most of the passenger cars can be in the range of 12.2-12.49V, which indicates an incomplete charge. A decrease in performance and the quality of the device begins in the case of reduction to 11.9V or less.
My name is Brandon, and I’ve been interested in cars since I was a kid. I got a bachelor’s degree in Automotive Technology and worked in a private car workshop. I have two cars that have been completely upgraded with my own hands. So I successfully put all my knowledge into practice.
Last update on 2023-02-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API