Batteries in autumn: why now is the best time!

Oct 19, 2023 | Electronics | 0 comments

Koud weer? Geef je auto een verse start! Nu het najaar in volle gang is, merk je misschien dat de ochtenden kouder worden en dat je auto soms wat moeite heeft om te starten. Dat kan goed liggen aan een verouderde of zwakke accu. De winter is dé periode waarin een oude accu het meestal begeeft. Waarom? Omdat koude temperaturen de chemische processen in de accu vertragen, wat leidt tot een verminderde prestatie. Als je accu al wat jaartjes meegaat, kan die koude ochtendstart net te veel zijn.

Dus voordat je op een ijskoude ochtend met een auto zit die niet wil starten, kun je een nieuwe accu kopen overwegen. Het najaar is eigenlijk het perfecte moment om je accu te vervangen. Je bereidt je auto voor op de koude maanden en vermindert de kans op startproblemen aanzienlijk.

Het kiezen van de juiste accu voor jouw auto

Bij het kiezen van een nieuwe accu komt meer kijken dan je misschien denkt. Het is niet alleen een kwestie van de oude eruit halen en een nieuwe erin zetten. Je wilt een accu die perfect past bij jouw type auto en rijstijl.

Allereerst moet je kijken naar het vermogen dat jouw auto nodig heeft. Dat wordt meestal uitgedrukt in Ah (Ampère-uur). Een zwaardere auto met veel elektronica heeft bijvoorbeeld een krachtigere accu nodig dan een klein stadsautootje. Daarnaast is de startstroom, uitgedrukt in A (Ampère), van belang. Dit bepaalt hoeveel kracht de accu kan leveren om de motor te starten.

Maar daar stopt het niet. Denk ook aan je rijstijl. Maak je vooral korte ritjes? Dan is een accu met een hogere capaciteit wellicht beter. De accu krijgt dan namelijk minder kans om volledig op te laden tijdens het rijden.

Waar koop je zo’n topaccu?

Je hebt besloten dat het tijd is voor een nieuwe accu. Maar waar begin je met zoeken? Natuurlijk kun je naar de lokale garage gaan, maar er zijn tegenwoordig ook veel online mogelijkheden. Een van de betrouwbaarste en bekendste sites om auto-onderdelen te kopen is Winparts.nl. Hier vind je een breed assortiment aan accu’s van verschillende merken en voor bijna elk automodel.

Het voordeel van online winkelen bij Winparts.nl is dat je gemakkelijk kunt zoeken op kenteken of automodel. Zo weet je zeker dat je de juiste accu voor jouw auto kiest. Bovendien krijg je uitgebreide productinformatie en kun je reviews van andere klanten lezen. Zo maak je een weloverwogen keuze.

Een andere tip: wacht niet te lang met bestellen. Als je eenmaal hebt besloten dat je een nieuwe accu nodig hebt, is het verstandig om niet te wachten tot het vriest. Het zou toch zonde zijn als je op een koude ochtend vast komt te zitten omdat je accu het begeeft?

Tot slot

Het najaar is een overgangsperiode die je auto voorbereidt op de uitdagingen van de winter. Een goede, betrouwbare accu kan het verschil maken tussen een vlotte start of een koude, frustrerende ochtend. Doe jezelf een plezier en check de conditie van je accu. En als het tijd is voor vervanging, weet je nu waar je moet beginnen. Zorg goed voor je auto, en je auto zorgt goed voor jou!

Ford car radio: how do I find the code?

Jul 26, 2023 | Electronics | 0 comments

If you buy a Ford with integrated car radio, you may need to find the code that unlocks your radio when the car's battery is replaced. If the car radio is removed from the car and reinstalled in another car, the radio will also not work without the code. The code is linked to the radio and the car, so even if the radio is repaired or replaced, it will not work without the correct code.

The code is a security measure by Ford to protect your car radio from theft and ensure its exclusive use in your car. Don't worry, there are several ways to find the code for your car radio.

What is a Ford car radio?

A car radio is an electronic device installed in a motor vehicle that can receive and play radio signals and play various audio media. The Ford car radio is designed to fit into the dashboard of any Ford car model. The Ford car radio can offer various functions, such as CD, DVD or digital audio playback, Bluetooth connectivity for music streaming and hands-free calling, radio and sometimes even advanced features such as integrated GPS navigation.

Ford car radio: how do I find the code?

Looking for the code in the car papers: The first place to look for the car radio code is in your Ford's car papers. It is possible that the car radio code is written down somewhere. You may also find information on a separate card or in documents specific to the car radio.

• Finding your car radio code online: If you cannot find the car radio code in the car papers, you can find it out through online services. On sites such as cargroov.co.uk you can retrieve the code directly online at an affordable price. To find out the code, you will be asked for the serial number of your car radio. You can find this number by removing the car radio from the slot or by using a combination of keys. Consult the website for more information. This method of finding out car radio codes is the most popular because of its price and simplicity.
• Contact a Ford dealer: Another option is to contact a Ford dealer. Find the contact details of a Ford dealer near you. You can search online or use Ford's mobile app to find the nearest authorised dealers. The Ford dealer representative will likely ask you for information to verify your ownership of the vehicle. Be prepared to provide your registration number, name, address and other information to confirm your identity and connection to the vehicle. This service is rarely free, but you should be aware that you usually have to pay for it as the rate varies from dealer to dealer and can be quite high.

How do I enter the code in the car radio?

Depending on the Ford model, there are different ways to enter the code into your car radio. On some models, all you have to do is type in the code and press the "OK" button. On older models, you have to use the keys 1 to 4. These keys do not correspond to a specific digit, but to the position of the digit in your code. So for the first digit of the code, you have to press the "1" button a certain number of times. If the digit is 4, you have to press the "1" button four times. If the second digit of the code is 9, you have to press the "2" button nine times, and so on.

Tips so you don't lose the code again!

Here are some tips to avoid losing your radio's code:

• Keep the code in a safe place, such as in your car papers or in a safe.
• Take a picture of the code with your phone.
• Write the code on a piece of paper and keep it in your car.
• If you lose the code, you can usually get it from the dealer or the manufacturer of the radio.

Track and trace systems for cars

May 18, 2023 | Electronics | 0 comments

As the owner of a business that depends on transport, it is essential to know the location of your vehicles and keep accurate mileage records. This is where Track and Trace systems for cars come into the picture. With the latest technologies, these systems can not only help track the location of vehicles, but also keep track of mileage records, monitor driving behaviour and improve safety.

In this article, we will talk about what track and trace systems are, what you can do with them and why it is a smart investment for your business.

What is a Track and Trace system for cars?

A car track and trace system is a GPS-based system used to track the location of vehicles in real-time. The system works by using GPS satellites and mobile networks to determine the location of the vehicle and send this information back to a central server. This allows you to track the location of your vehicle(s) in real-time and keep track of mileage records.

What can you do with a Track and Trace system?

With a car track and trace system, you can do several things, such as:

Location determination

One of the most important features of a car track and trace system is the ability to track the location of your vehicles in real-time. This allows you to see where your vehicles are and whether they are in the right location. This is especially useful if you work with deliveries or if you have multiple vehicles that all need to be at different locations.

Mileage registration

With a track and trace system for cars, you can also check the mileage registration tracking. This is an important feature if you want to know how much your vehicles have driven and how many kilometres were covered for each trip. This is especially useful if you manage the fleet and want to track fuel consumption and maintenance costs.

Monitoring driving behaviour

A car track and trace system can also be used to monitor drivers' driving behaviour. For example, the system can track the speed of the vehicle, whether the vehicle brakes or accelerates abruptly and whether the driver is obeying traffic rules. This allows you to see if your drivers are driving safely and address any driving behaviour issues.

Improving safety

With a car track and trace system, you can improve vehicle and driver safety. For example, the system can be used to track speed limits and alert you when a driver is speeding. It can also help reduce vehicle theft and increase the chances of recovering a stolen vehicle.

Why buy a Track and Trace system?

A track and trace system for cars is a smart investment for any business that relies on transport. Below are some reasons why buying a track and trace system is a good decision:

Cost savings

With a car track and trace system, you can reduce your fleet costs by monitoring fuel consumption and reducing unnecessary driving. You can also reduce maintenance costs by proactively scheduling maintenance based on mileage.

Efficiency improvement

With a car track and trace system, you can improve fleet efficiency. You can plan optimal routes for the vehicles and reduce drivers' travel times, allowing you to complete more tasks in the same day. This can also contribute to customer satisfaction, as you can respond faster to their requests.

Improved safety

A car track and trace system can help improve the safety of your fleet. For example, you can see if your drivers are driving safely and take immediate action if an accident occurs. The system can also be used to improve the safety of your vehicles by preventing theft and recovering stolen vehicles faster.

Complying with tax legislation

If you have a business that depends on transport, you need to comply with tax laws for mileage tracking. With a car track and trace system, you can keep track of mileage records automatically and ensure you comply with tax laws.

Conclusion

A car track and trace system is a powerful tool for any business that relies on transport. It allows you to track the location of your vehicles, keep track of mileage, monitor driving behaviour and improve safety. It can also help you reduce costs, improve efficiency and comply with tax laws. In short, a car track and trace system is a smart investment that can quickly pay for itself.

Car starter cable step-by-step plan

Mar 23, 2022 | Electronics | 0 comments

Need a car jumper cable or want to know how to connect a jumper cable correctly? On this page more information about jumper cables and how you can connect them safely. Starting cables are used when your car does not start because the battery is empty. In such a case, you can ask for help from another motorist with a car of a similar size to yours. They will most likely have a battery with the same capacity as yours. You can then use a jump lead to start your car on the other car's battery. Below is a step-by-step plan for the correct connection of the jumper cables.

Correct car jump lead

Jumper cables are used to generate enough voltage to start the engine of the faulty vehicle so that it can then continue charging the battery on its own. What sounds simple in theory requires the right approach in practice. Diesel Engines are more powerful than petrol engines, which is why the required amperage is higher for diesel cars. Therefore, to withstand the current to be transferred, the jumper cable for a diesel vehicle must have a thickness of at least 25 square millimetres. Thinner cables are not suitable for this and thus do not provide sufficient protection to the user. Therefore, starting assistance may fail or, in the worst case, damage to the vehicle or injury to the user may occur if a cable that is too thin is used. Jump leads for petrol cars In contrast, only 16 mm² need be thick, as the current is weaker in this case.

Car won't start? Possible problems/causes

Jan 14, 2022 | Electronics | 0 comments

There's almost nothing more annoying, your car won't start and you were already late! It can be frustrating and disappointing, but in this article we cover the most common problems. So in the best case you can solve it yourself or at least know why your car won't start.

Car will not start due to a flat battery

If a car won't start, a flat battery is the most likely problem. A flat battery can be recognised by:

• You can hear the starter motor spinning with difficulty
• You hear a clicking sound
• Light flashes when starting
• The central locking system does not work any more
• The dashboard no longer lights up.

A flat battery can be caused by burning interior lights. It often happens that someone leaves a light on by accident. Another cause can be an old battery that no longer charges sufficiently and cannot turn the starter motor. Another problem can also be a worn out alternator. This does not have to do with the battery itself but with the charger, the dynamo.

How do I start a car with a flat battery?

Fortunately, you can often start a car if you are dealing with a flat battery. To do this, you have several options:

• Is there anyone around with a car and jumper cables? Then put the jumper cables on the right poles, black on minus and red on plus. Then start the car and try to start your own car. If your car starts; leave the jumper cables in place for another 2 minutes. It is possible that the battery and therefore the car do not have enough power yet. One consequence may be that the car will stall again.
• Another possibility is to put the car (if manual) in 2nd gear. Then you need a couple of strong people to push you. At the right moment, with sufficient speed, try to let out the clutch. This can start the car, but it usually takes a few pushes.
• If you have a spare battery or another car, you can choose to install it. A battery replacement is not very complicated and should be possible in 10-15 minutes.

If you are pushed or you have used jumper cables, it is important that you drive for at least 20 minutes. Otherwise, there is a chance that the car will not start because the battery has not yet been charged.

TIP: If you are a multimeter If you have a battery, check the battery voltage and it should be more than 12 volts.

Problems with the engine itself

To understand what can go wrong with an engine, let's look at what happens when you want to start it. The first thing any driver does after getting into a car is to put his key in and turn the ignition switch. Then the charge from the battery goes to the starter motor that turns the crankshaft. Meanwhile, fuel from the fuel tank is pumped into the engine through the fuel pump, then through the fuel lines, the fuel rail, and finally the injectors.

At the same time, air is drawn in through the air filter and enters the engine through the intake manifold. In the case of a petrol engine, a distributor sends sparks into the engine through the spark plugs. This ignites the air-fuel mixture and voila, there's your horsepower.

Ignition system

Alternator not working properly

The alternator is the device that draws power from the engine and charges the battery when the vehicle is running. It is essential for the electrical cycle of a car, as its failure can prevent the car from starting.

If charging does not take place, the electrical systems in the car will draw power from the battery. This can eventually drain all the juice from the battery, killing it. In order to start an engine, the starter motor needs a good surge of electricity from the battery. In this case, the battery does not have this electricity.

Check the alternator

Checking the alternator is an easy job. Start the car with a starter cable and measure the voltage at the battery terminals with a multimeter. If it is less than 12 volts, the battery may be dead. But the main event we expect is an increase in voltage when you rev the engine. The alternator, if it's good, should be flowing a lot of electrons to the battery when the engine is running. If no change or a meagre increase in voltage is observed, it indicates that the alternator is not doing its job.

Problems with the starter motor

This is the third and last element in the ignition circuit. The starter motor is directly connected to the engine crankshaft. It turns the crankshaft to start the engine when we turn the key. A defective starter motor can be a reason why your car will not start but has power.

The diagnosis of this problem is quite simple. When you turn the key, it should start. The cranking of the engine is initiated by the starter motor. So, if the starter motor has died, turning the key will make no difference. No rotation, no desperate attempts to get the cylinders to fire. Just silence.

Problems with fuse and wiring

Before replacing the alternator, starter motor and battery all at once, check the fuse box first. If the ignition fuses are blown, a simple fuse replacement can get your car running. Do check what caused the blown fuse.

Fuel system

The fuel system is what supplies the engine with fuel. Petrol and diesel engines have different fuel system designs, but the general working principle is almost the same. So, if your car won't start, the fuel system could be a source of the problem. But the fuel system should be checked after the whole battery & ignition system is found to be faultless.

Faulty fuel pump

This is not a problem with most new cars. If your car is driven regularly and filled with proper gas/diesel fuel, it should not be a problem. Unless your car was fitted with a faulty fuel pump right from the factory. But, if your car is quite old or the fuel quality in your area is questionable, a faulty pump may occur.

The diagnosis of this problem is quite simple. If you turn your key to the ignition before cranking the engine, you can hear a hum coming from behind. This is the operation of the fuel pump. Before the car is started, the fuel pump supplies fuel and prepares it for injection.

But if you have a defective fuel pump, this cannot happen. The engine will not get its fuel and will refuse to start. So, if you turn the key and don't hear a hum coming out of the back, it may be a problem with the fuel pump.

But if you suspect a fuel pump failure, it should be checked. Maybe

it is simply blocked and unable to function. But that is for a trained eye to decide. A skilled technician is therefore needed for this work.

Low fuel pressure/blocked fuel lines or fuel rail

Your fuel pump may be working, but what if the fuel pressure is not reaching the injectors? A clogged fuel rail or fuel line could be a problem. Or it could be a problem with the fuel pump causing the fuel pressure to drop. Some fuel rails may have a Schrader valve on the fuel rail that allows you to test the fuel pressure.

If the fuel pressure is found to be low, you should give it to a mechanic for further diagnosis. But be aware, these problems usually only appear at high mileage.

Defective fuel injector

This is a rare possibility if your car will not start. If you have a four-cylinder engine, all four fuel injectors must stop working for the engine not to start. So this is a rare scenario, but still possible.

Air intake system problems

This is another rare problem that prevents a car from starting. If your car won't start, it could mean that the engine isn't getting everything it needs. We dealt with the starting movement and the fuel supply. Now let's focus on the air supply. The engine needs air to burn the fuel. If less air is pumped in, your car won't start.

Clogged air filter

In rare cases, a clogged air filter or air pipe can cause the engine not to start. Check for a blocked filter. Change the filter if necessary. Look as far as possible into the air duct leading to the engine to find dirt, animal nests, etc.

Defective air mass meter

The air mass meter ( MAP / MAF) measures the volume and pressure of the air pumped into the engine. If these sensors are defective, the engine may get a wrong measurement and not start. Disconnect these sensors and start the engine. If it starts, replace the defective sensors.

Spark ignition system (For petrol engines)

Diesel engine owners, you can skip this section. Petrol engine owners, read on. If your car won't start and has a petrol engine, it could be a spark problem. The system is important for spark igniters such as petrol or natural gas engines. So, what can go wrong in this area?

Problems with the ignition coil or distributor

The ignition coil and distributor are two important components of the ignition system. If they are defective, the engine does not get sparked in time and will not start. You can test them with a multimeter, but a mechanic is a better option.

Faulty spark plugs

Spark plugs ignite the fuel that is injected into each cylinder. They can wear out over time, leaving the engine with no spark to burn fuel, and your car will not start.

Removing the spark plugs is easy. Once removed, the spark plugs can be inspected for cracks or blockages. If the ceramic part of the spark plug is cracked, the insulation is affected, and it is a broken spark plug. If the tip of the spark plug is clogged with gunk or dirt, you need to replace it.

Spark plugs should be replaced as part of a service. By replacing them in time, you can avoid this problem.

Once you have the spark plugs out and they look OK, you can test them again with a multimeter. It measures the resistance across the ends of the spark plug. If it shows the wrong resistance across the ends, it's a faulty spark plug. If it shows resistance between any two points other than the ends, it is still a defective spark plug.

As you have read, there can be several causes for a car refusing to start. In most cases it has to do with the battery. And if you can't manage it, roadside assistance is often available within 45 minutes.

Maintaining the battery with a trickle charger or battery charger

Oct 15, 2021 | Electronics | 0 comments

The battery of your car is something you should maintain well. Especially when it comes to the battery of an old-timer. This is because it stands still for the cold period of the year, which means that the battery becomes increasingly weaker due to self-discharge. When the battery is discharged too deeply, this causes damage to the battery. This is of course something you want to avoid, since a new battery can be quite expensive. A car battery charger or trickle charger can be very useful here.

What is the difference between a battery charger and a trickle charger?

A battery charger or trickle charger charges your battery until it is full. They often do this fully automatically. A battery charger is often used to charge the battery in one go. A trickle charger, on the other hand, is used to keep the battery up to date. The trickle charger notices when the battery reaches 95% and switches itself on. The trickle charger then charges the battery again to 100% and switches itself off again. Some battery chargers also have this function. This is called maintenance charging. These battery chargers often have several charging phases and work fully automatically.

Reconditioning function battery charger

Some battery chargers have even more functions. There are also battery chargers with a reconditioning function. This function ensures that batteries which are too deeply discharged are restored as well as possible. In addition, battery chargers can sometimes also charge several types of batteries. Most battery chargers can charge lead acid, AGM and gel batteries, but some can also charge lithium batteries. This is ideal if you want to charge your lithium battery as well as your car battery.

Which battery charger should you use?

Using a battery charger or trickle charger is simple, but there are a few points you should pay attention to. First of all, make sure you have the right voltage. Most car batteries are 12V, but old-timer batteries are often 6V. Secondly, you need the right charging current. It is important to have a battery charger with a charging power between 15 and 25% of the usable capacity of the battery. A too high charging current can damage the battery and a too low charging current can take too long.

Connecting the charger

First connect the black negative cable of the battery charger to the negative pole of the car battery. Then do the same with the red plus lead. Then switch on the battery charger. Set the battery charger to the correct position and the battery charger will automatically start the charging program. After you see that the battery is full, you can remove the battery charger. You can also leave the battery charger or trickle charger on to maintain the battery, so you can be sure that your battery stays in top condition!

Xenon lighting and lights in cars

Sep 27, 2021 | Electronics | 0 comments

Xenon lighting can be easily recognised by its bright blue light. For oncoming traffic it can be experienced as annoying. This is particularly the case with SUVs that are slightly higher up on the wheels so that the light automatically shines from a higher position. Apart from the oncoming traffic, xenon lights have many advantages. On this page we explain how these xenon lights work and what the advantages are.

How does xenon lighting work compared to halogen?

Xenon lights work very differently to halogen lights and can be recognised on the road thanks to the blue tint they give off and because they emit more concentrated light. They use an electric arc. This arc is ignited by high voltage. The ignition is carried out by an electronic ballast with 20,000 volts between two electrodes instead of a filament to produce light, and are often called High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps. When the lamp is ignited, a so-called gas tube is created between the two electrodes of the lamps. When current flows through the electrodes, the gas, or xenon, begins to glow. Xenon gas is used because at lower temperatures it helps to form an arc between the electrodes (and thus create light), but becomes less important when the lamp is at temperature.

The history of xenon lamps

In the 1990s, most cars were equipped with halogen lamps. However, in the higher segment it was also possible to choose xenon lamps. At that time, it was an expensive option. The well-known names from Germany, BMW, Mercedes and Audi often asked more than 2000 guilders for this option. Fortunately, the price decreases as the production numbers increase. This also applies to xenon lights. Nowadays, it comes as standard on some mid-range cars or is included in certain option packages. So it is no longer only available for the highest segment.

Advantages of Xenon lighting

• Service life. Xenon lamps can last up to 10 years
• Xenon lights also consume less power and still provide more light
• Cars with xenon headlights give the car a tighter appearance in the dark

Disadvantages xenon lighting

• If you buy a used car that has xenon lights and is approaching the age of 10 years, good replacement bulbs are quite expensive.
• Nowadays, LED lamps are almost as good and cheaper.
• LED lamps use even less energy.

Difference between xenon and Bi xenon

The difference between Xenon and Bi-Xenon HID headlights is that Xenon lights have one light bulb that can only cover one beam at a time (low, high or fog), whereas Bi-Xenon lights have two beams that cover both low, city and high beam in one light. Naturally, these bulbs are slightly more expensive to buy.

Read more general info on car lights and read more here LED lights.

Car battery replacement

Jan 21, 2021 | Electronics | 0 comments

Changing a car battery is easy to do yourself. The replacement of the car battery occurs more often during the winter months than in the summer months. Usually a good car battery lasts about 5 years. The life depends on the use. So if you make a lot of short trips and restart often, the car battery will not last as long. In this article I explain how to replace the car battery in 12 steps. If you are unsure to do this yourself, it is better to stop by the garage. In most cases, this job should be completed in 15 minutes. 

Before replacing a car battery, you can test more > Battery test. 

Step 1 Consult the user manual 

Consult your car's owner's manual for the location of the car battery. Space under the bonnet is at a premium in many new cars. Some batteries can be hidden in the boot, under the floorboard or even out of sight behind a wheel well.

Step 2 Look at plus and minus 

Identify the positive and negative poles and the cables attached to them. The positive terminal may have a red plastic sleeve and/or the cable attached to it may be red. There should also be a "+" symbol stamped or printed on the battery, next to the positive terminal.

Step 3 Disconnect the minus pole

Use a spanner to loosen the nut or bolt that secures the negative terminal and the cable to the negative battery terminal.

CAUTION:

Be careful not to let metal objects touch both battery terminals at the same time, and do not let your spanner touch the positive terminal and the body or wing at the same time.

Step 4 Use a battery terminal puller

After loosening the bolt or nut, use a battery terminal puller, if necessary, to remove the cable and the terminal from the negative battery terminal. Do the same with the positive terminal.

Step 5 remove the fastening system

Remove the clamp or the fastening system that holds the battery pack in place and set aside the parts and fasteners to prevent misplacement.

Step 6 Use the handles to lift the battery pack

Carefully lift the battery out without moving it too much (be prepared, it is a bit heavy). If there is a handle on the battery, use it to lift it out of the car.

Step 7 Clean the battery poles

Examine the battery terminals attached to the ends of the battery cables to make sure they are clean and free of corrosion. If they are not, clean them with the terminal cleaning tool. There is a special tool that fits over the terminal, with another brush that fits into the terminal. If this doesn't work, a stiff wire brush can do the job. The cleaner your poles and terminals are, the better and more positive connection the battery will have, more current. 

Step 8 plus with + and minus with - 

Position the battery so that the red, positive pole matches the positive pole and the location of the cable.

Step 9 Secure the battery

Place the battery pack. Then secure it with the previously removed clamp or the fastening system.

Step 10 Remove the plastic caps

Remove the plastic caps that cover the battery terminals and place the corrosion protection rings over them.

Step 11 Use anti-corrosion grease

Apply a thin layer of grease to the battery terminals before connecting to the positive terminal. Special anti-corrosion grease is available to prevent deposits of downy greenish white corrosion, which may prevent the battery from being charged. Use the spanner to tighten the connector until it is secure. Then repeat for the negative terminal and battery terminal.

Try wobbling the car battery. If it moves, tighten the clamp or the fixing system. You're done installing a car battery! Be proud of this good work. And now you know you won't be stranded with a dead battery!

Step 12. Think about the environment and recycle 

Replacing a car battery, as you have read, is easy to do yourself. Just remember to take your old car battery to a local garage for recycling. 

Testing a car battery with a multimeter

Feb 11, 2020 | Electronics | 0 comments

 As a car owner, it is helpful if you know how to test a battery. There are many batteries today that no longer require periodic maintenance. This does not mean that they have an infinite life. Therefore, everyone still needs to know how to check the condition of a battery in their car. You can do this by using a multimeter.

Testing the battery with a Multimeter

Some of the world's best battery testers are digital multimeters. They work best on so-called maintenance-free batteries. This type of battery has no caps that can be opened to gain access to the different chambers or 'cells' of the battery. They are sealed units, which prevent electrolytes from leaking onto the surface of the battery.

Multimeters measure voltage, resistance and electric current in an electrical device. Because batteries have an electrical charge, a digital multimeter can measure the current charge status of the battery. This will give you an idea of whether your car's battery is charged enough to work properly. If you have a maintenance-free battery, then a multimeter is suitable for your situation.

How does a multimeter work?

A multimeter works simply. However, before you start testing the battery, it is best to become familiar with the functions of the digital multimeter. There are small differences per manufacturer, but they all contain a mechanism to measure voltage and maximum voltage. Always read the manual first, so you know how to operate it.

The multimeter is supplied with two electrical connectors with metal probes. The wires come in two colours: black and red. The black coloured wire is negative, while the red coloured wire is positive. It is very important not to put them on the wrong pole. You don't want to connect metal probes to the wrong battery terminal.
If you are going to test the battery with a digital multimeter, set the device to DC or Direct Current. Make sure you set it to 20 volts. A healthy battery should have a charge of about 12.6 volts. It is sufficient to set the multimeter to 20 DC volts.
Take the black metal probe and touch the tip to the negative terminal. Take the red metal probe and touch the tip to the positive battery terminal. The resting voltage of a healthy battery is about 12.6 volts. If someone can assist you, ask them to turn on the car's headlights, then you will see a drop in the voltage reading in the multimeter. It may be 12.5 volts, for example.

Low voltage in the battery

If the resting voltage of the battery is 12.3 volts, you can say that it contains about 75 per cent electrical charge. 
It is also important to remember that there is such a thing as 'parasitic loss'. There will always be some car components that use electricity, even when the engine is already switched off. The computer, digital clock, security system and other components can still use power from the battery. This can lead to a reduction in battery charge over time.

If you test the car battery with a digital multimeter and the voltage is too low, you can take the battery out of the car and charge it overnight with a battery charger. Then test it again the next morning. If it can hold the ideal charge, it is possible that a component in the car is causing the battery to run down. If the voltage remains too low, it is probably time for a new battery.

Problem with the battery terminals

There are situations where the battery itself is not the problem. Rather, it is the battery terminals. If these are corroded, loose or dirty, you will still have problems starting the engine. It is also one of the most common reasons why people think their battery is dead.
The good news is that you can use your multimeter to check for faulty battery terminals. To do this, you need to switch off your car's ignition system. The easiest way to switch off the ignition system is to remove the relay or fuse for the fuel pump. Another method is to disconnect the ignition coil. Each of these methods prevents the car engine from starting. Only do this if you are technically skilled, otherwise a mechanic is a better option.

Now take the red metal probe from the multimeter and place the tip on the positive battery terminal. Now take the black metal probe and place it on the same battery terminal. Ask someone to switch on the engine of the car. Look at the needle on the display of the multimeter. If you read more than 0.5 volts, there is a chance that the positive battery terminal is dirty or corroded.
Perform the same procedure on the negative pole connection. You must first touch it with the black metal probe before using the red metal probe. Let your assistant start the engine. If you see a voltage reading higher than 0.5 volts, there is a problem with your battery terminals. Again, the best solution is a new battery.

FAQ multimeters

Below we have listed the most frequently asked questions about Multimeters. Do you have an additional question? Then ask it in the comment field. We will then add your question and answer to this page.

• What is a multimeter? A multimeter is a tool designed to diagnose problems with electrical and electronic circuits. It is used for checking voltages to verify proper operating levels.
• What does a multimeter measure? Standard multimeters measure current, resistance and voltage. More expensive models can also measure capacity and induction.
• Multimeters combine three functions. An ammeter measures current, an ohmmeter lets you determine resistance and a voltmeter measures the voltage between two points. Multimeters combine all three functions in one instrument.
• Measuring amps with a multimeter. The ampere measurement function of a multimeter is used to measure the number of electrons that pass a certain point for a given time. The units in this measurement are known as amps. Your multimeter can check how many amps, e.g. A device uses.
• Measuring ohms with a multimeter. The ohmmeter function measures electrical resistance - the opposition to an electric current - and uses units known as ohms. An electrical circuit has a resistance of zero or close to zero ohms when shorted. When a circuit is open, it has an infinite resistance and no current.
• Measuring volts with a multimeter The voltmeter function of a multimeter measures the electrical potential between two volt points and is particularly useful for checking whether a battery is low. In addition, a multimeter can measure current and voltage in two different modes: alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). Domestic sockets almost always use alternating current. Please note that different countries have different standards.