When it comes to battery maintenance, two tools often come to the forefront of discussion: the volt meter and the hydrometer. Both are capable of providing valuable insights into your battery’s state of charge, but they do so in different ways and with varying degrees of risk.
Here we will delve into these two tools, helping you make an informed decision about which is best suited for your battery maintenance needs.
Should I use a volt meter or hydrometer when checking my battery level?
Hydrometers can give you an accurate reading of the state of charge of each battery cell, however, remember you are handling extremely caustic acid. In addition, the battery is chemically sensitive - each time you open the caps, you run the risk of contamination, which will shorten the life of the battery.
A good digital volt meter can safely give you an accurate reading of the battery's state of charge. The following is a gauge you can use to check your battery in a rested state.
- 12.63 - 100%
- 12.45 - 80%
- 12.27 - 60%
- 12.09 - 40%
- 11.91 - 20%
It's also critical you should never let your batteries get below the 20% capacity level.
NOTE: To test a battery in a rested state, disconnect the positive lead from the battery for approximately 20 to 24 hours.
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