How to test a car battery?

You’ll need a battery tester, which can be purchased online (e.g., Amazon) or at a local auto parts store.

Alternatively, you can have your battery tested for free at an auto parts store, but you’ll typically need to remove the battery from the vehicle.

Leave the battery installed in the vehicle.

Attach the tester’s cables to the respective battery terminals (positive to positive, negative to negative).

The tester should automatically power on once connected.

The tester will display a voltage reading (e.g., 12 volts).

If the battery is dead, it may show a lower voltage, but you can still proceed with testing.

Press Enter on the tester.

Choose "In Vehicle" mode.

Select "Battery Test" to begin the assessment.

If your battery is a traditional lead-acid battery, select "Regular Flooded".

If you have an AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery, select that option instead.

Locate the CCA rating on the battery sticker (e.g., 640 CCA).

Input the correct cold cranking amps value into the tester.

The tester will analyze the battery’s health and display the results.

If the screen indicates “Good Battery”, the battery is in proper working condition.