Most people only pay attention to their car battery when they have difficulty starting their car or when it dies at the most inconvenient of times (of course).
There’s a simple way to keep you out of trouble though: you’re ahead of the game if you test your car battery every once in a while with a car battery tester.
It’s simple and quick to use and the cheapest reliable ones cost less than 20$.
That’s just a fraction of the cost of a new battery.
If the battery test indicates that your battery needs to be charged, simply hook it up to a battery charger for the night and that’s that.
You should know that if you leave your battery neglected with a voltage that’s too low, it will degrade rapidly. This means you’ll have to replace it much sooner than normal.
Many testers will even warn you to ditch your battery before you notice there’s something wrong with it, before the deadweight gets you stranded!
Every car owner should have a car battery tester.
That’s not an overstatement, it’s a fact!
Check out our favorite car battery testers:
Why Buy a Car Battery Tester?
Everybody knows that car batteries degrade over time and eventually die.
They normally last anywhere between 3 and 5 years.
A lot depends on the quality of your car battery though and how it is maintained. Crappy ones sometimes die after less than 2 years of use.
Good quality batteries last much longer than cheap ones, of course.
It’s also important to choose the right battery for your specific car to get the most out of it.
You can get much more life out of your battery if you keep it topped up with a smart battery charger, by the way.
It will actually save you money over time!
If you leave your car battery half depleted most of the time and drive only short distances, you’re asking for trouble…
Sometimes, people unknowingly invest in a new battery without testing only to find that the new battery doesn’t last long either.
Often, the problem turns out to be the charging system instead of the battery.
That’s a lot of money down the drain…
What Does a Car Battery Tester Do?
Depending on the type of car battery tester, you cannot only test your car battery’s condition, but also your car’s charging system.
That’s paramount to know if the fault lies with your car battery or your charging system, or both.
Some advanced car battery testers test a whole array of parameters to give a full analysis about your car battery and charging system.
The analysis automatically appears on the display.
Other basic ones only give you a general idea but you have to do the analysis yourself, based on limited information.
Battery Test
The easiest, most reliable way to know the state of your car battery is to test it with a car battery tester.
Depending on the type of battery tester, it will analyze your battery mainly based on these parameters:
- Voltage test: measures the battery’s voltage output
- Load test: checks the condition of the battery by measuring the maximum Amps the battery delivers (CCA)
- Cranking Test: measures battery voltage drop when starting your engine
Charging System Test
The problem may also be your alternator or charging system though, which charges your car battery.
It can malfunction too.
This can also simply be tested with a car battery tester.
Depending on the type of battery tester, it will analyze your charging system mainly based on these parameters:
- Charging Test: checks charging voltage
- Ripple Analysis: tests for the amount of AC voltage fluctuation on the DC power supply
Why a Car Battery Tester Will Make You Money
For a fraction of the price your dealership will charge to find out what’s wrong, you can do this yourself in minutes if you buy your own tester.
That way you don’t have to rely on tests performed by someone who benefits from a negative outcome, if you get my drift 😉
You can decide for yourself if and when it is time for a new car battery and save a lot of money in the process…
Most of the time, it only takes a few minutes for you to figure it out using a simple tester. Right away it will tell you who’s the culprit.
If you don’t wanna get caught by surprise and end up on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere in the pouring rain at night, better be ahead of the game and frequently test the state of your battery and charging system.
It’s the only way to know when it is time to replace your car battery before it gets you in trouble.
To measure is the only way to know…
These are the car battery testers we recommend:
Best Overall Car Battery Tester
SPECS:
- Tests: Battery and charging system
- Voltage: 12V / 24V
- Battery types: regular flooded, AGM flat plate, AGM spiral, GEL and deep cycle
- Battery capacity: 100 to 2000 CCA
- Internal battery: No
- Standards: JIS, EN, DIN, SAE, CCA, BCI, GB, CA, MCA and IEC
- Display: Backlit LCD
The Foxwell BT705 car battery tester can test 12V or 24V regular flooded, AGM flat plate, AGM spiral, GEL and deep cycle batteries with a capacity from 100 to 2000 CCA.
It also tests 12V & 24V starting and charging systems. The test results are based on JIS, EN, DIN, SAE, CCA, BCI, GB, CA, MCA and IEC Standards.
This car battery tester uses advanced conductance testing technology and premium quality copper clamps and wires to maintain a stable communication all throughout the testing process to provide you with reliable results.
This allows you to accurately and quickly measure the actual cold cranking amps (CCA) and health of the car battery and charging system.
The voltage and cranking time appear on the LCD display in milliseconds.
You can also check 12V or 24V charging systems to make sure the output voltage of the alternator is within normal range, the rectifier diode works fine and the charging current is within normal range.
To let you know how much life your car battery has left, the BT705 battery tester will accurately display battery health status in just 3 seconds on its large and easy-to-read backlit LCD display.
Test results can be printed via Bluetooth.
This great tester will help you diagnose and resolve battery health problems timely without disconnecting the battery.
It can be used to diagnose cars, suv’s, mini-vans, trucks, boats, tractors and other vehicles equipped with 12v or 24v batteries. This device needs no internal battery.
7.8ft long cables allow you to do the test from inside or outside of the vehicle.
No matter if you’re a professional or DIY’er, you’ll love this battery analyzer!
PROS:
- Easy-to-read backlit LCD display
- For 12V and 24V systems
- Comes with a protective hard case
- Device needs no internal battery
- For regular flooded, AGM flat plate, AGM spiral, GEL and deep cycle batteries with a capacity from 100 to 2000 CCA
- JIS, EN, DIN, SAE, CCA, BCI, GB, CA, MCA and IEC Standards
- Bluetooth printing capabilities
CONS:
- Not wireless
- No built-in printer
- No touchscreen
- Not for lithium car batteries
- Who has a Bluetooth printer in his garage or workshop??
Most User-Friendly Car Battery Tester
SPECS:
- Tests: Battery
- Voltage: 12V
- Battery types: All
- Battery capacity: n/a
- Internal battery: No
- Standards: n/a
- Display: Backlit LED + colored LED indicator lights
This compact device easily plugs into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter to monitor battery and charging system voltage. No need to pop the hood.
Its LCD screen displays voltage with four digits and a bar graph that indicates battery charge level.
Color-coded LEDs also quickly show your battery’s charge status.
The tool’s head pivots for easy viewing.
Easy peasy…
PROS:
- As easy as it gets
- Cheap
- Does what it should
- Small size
- Device needs no internal battery
CONS:
- Limited diagnostics
- Looks cheap
- No out-of-car measuring
Best Bluetooth Car Battery Tester
SPECS:
- Tests: Battery and charging system
- Voltage: 12V
- Battery types: All except lithium
- Battery capacity: 100 to 2000 CCA
- Internal battery: No
- Standards: JIS, EN, DIN, SAE, and IEC
- Display: on smartphone via app
The TOPDON bluetooth battery monitor can test all 12V car batteries from 100 to 2000 CCA except lithium batteries.
The test results are based on JIS, EN, DIN, SAE, and IEC Standards.
Once connected with the car battery and wirelessly connected with your smartphone by Bluetooth, it can do a voltage test, a charging test, a cranking test and trip recording on all your vehicles:
- You can check the overall health of the battery
- The cranking test helps you test and analyze the starting motor to check if it works properly
- The charging test is to check the charging system status to avoid damaging the battery due to overcharging or incomplete charging
This car battery tester only uses very little power from your car battery and needs no internal battery. It’s very easy to perform a check in minutes.
It’s reverse-polarity protected, fireproof, small and compact.
Works for in-vehicle as well as out-of-vehicle testing.
It’s small enough to be stored in a glove box or center console.
Fast and accurately, this battery load tester will help you determine if your car battery simply needs charging or needs to be replaced.
The bluetooth wireless connectivity up to 10m gives you freedom to move in and around your car, which is a big bonus.
It will tell you when to replace your car battery or if you have a charging issue before you get stranded.
The TOPDON bluetooth car battery monitor is a great tool for DIY users, automobile workshops, garages and alike.
PROS:
- Bluetooth wireless connection
- Great intuitive app with easy-to-follow instructions
- Tells you when to replace your car battery
- Analyses overall health of battery and does a cranking and charging test
- Works for in-vehicle as well as out-of-vehicle testing
- Device needs no internal battery
- For car batteries from 100 to 2000 CCA
- JIS, EN, DIN, SAE, and IEC Standards
CONS:
- Smartphone needed
- Not for lithium car batteries
- No built-in printer
Best Budget Led Car Battery Tester
SPECS:
- Tests: Battery and charging system
- Voltage: 12V / 24V
- Battery types: All except lithium
- Battery capacity: n/a
- Internal battery: No
- Standards: n/a
- Display: LCD with LED indicators
The AUTDER AD-808 automotive battery tester works on all 12V and 24V batteries for cars, motorcycles, trucks, RVs, ATVs, SUVs, boats, yachts, mowers, and even golf carts.
It comes with alligator clips as well as a handy cigarette lighter plug for even easier, faster testing.
It’s powered by your car battery and needs no internal batteries.
The accuracy of this 4-digit car battery voltmeter is about 0.01V. The Digital Voltage test range is 4-30V DC.
AUTDER AD-808’s led display shows if your car battery needs replacing in the blink of an eye. You can also check the alternator output to avoid battery damage because of overcharge or incomplete charge.
The three-way switch can be switched to the left for 24V battery testing or to the right for 12V battery testing. The middle position is for real-time alternator testing.
In case of reverse polarity, the ‘REVERSE’-led is lit and the built-in buzzer will sound.
When the voltage is out of range, the screen will display ‘LO'(＜4V) or ‘HI’ (＞30V).
This simple, cheap car battery tester may be basic but it instantly gives a general idea of the state your battery and charging system is in.
PROS:
- Cheap
- Battery and charging system instant testing
- Comes with alligator clips as well as cigarette lighter plug
- For 12V and 24V systems
- Accurate 4-digit led-display (+/- 0.01V)
- Test range is 4-30V DC
- Safety features: reverse polarity, high and low voltage
- Needs no internal batteries
CONS:
- Looks and feels cheap
- Very basic
- Not for lithium batteries
Best Budget Digital Car Battery Tester
SPECS:
- Tests: Battery and charging system
- Voltage: 12V
- Battery types: regular flooded, AGM flat plate, AGM spiral and gel batteries
- Battery capacity: 100 to 2000 CCA
- Internal battery: No
- Standards: CCA, BCI, CA, MCA, JIS, DIN, IEC, EN, SAE
- Display: LCD
The KONNWEI KW208 car battery tester can test all 12V 100 – 2000 CCA batteries including regular flooded, AGM flat plate, AGM spiral and gel batteries.
This convenient, handheld tester analyzes your batteries’ health thoroughly.
The KW208 battery tester supports cranking, alternator, starter and charging system testing.
Both in-vehicle and out-of-vehicle, the KONNWEI KW208 gives you accurate battery parameters such as a load test, voltage, internal resistance, Cold Cranking Amps (CCA), AH capacity, battery health and charge status.
Additionally, it will also indicate whether to charge or replace your battery.
KONNWEI KW208’s powerful STM-32 chipset provides more than 99.5% precise testing reports within milliseconds (tested by US Midtronics).
Test standards: CCA, BCI, CA, MCA, JIS, DIN, IEC, EN, SAE.
That sure is a lot of digital bang for your buck…
PROS:
- A lot of bang for your buck
- For regular flooded, AGM flat plate, AGM spiral and gel batteries.
- 99.5% accuracy
- Fast chipset reports within milliseconds
- Convenient, versatile
- In-vehicle and out-of-vehicle load testing
- Needs no internal batteries
- Test standards: CCA, BCI, CA, MCA, JIS, DIN, IEC, EN, SAE
CONS:
- Only 12V battery testing
- No touchscreen
- Not for lithium batteries
Best Professional Car Battery Tester
SPECS:
- Tests: Battery and charging system
- Voltage: 6V / 12V batteries and 12V / 24V cranking systems
- Battery types: Flooded Lead-Acid, AGM, AGM Spiral, EFB and Gel batteries
- Battery capacity: 100 to 3000 CCA
- Internal battery: Yes
- Standards: CCA, CA, SAE, EN, IEC, DIN, JIS and MCA
- Display: Touchscreen
The Autel car battery tester is no ordinary tester. It’s so much more than that!
It’s loaded with great features that make testing so much easier and more accurate than most more expensive competitors.
With its big, very responsive touchscreen it’s dead-easy to scroll through the menus and select the large, easy-to-read icons.
It’s a breeze to follow the clear instructions with their well-designed graphics and text.
In-vehicle as well as out-of-vehicle battery testing is possible with its built-in rechargeable lithium batteries.
This Android-powered wireless device has Bluetooth and Wifi connectivity.
Lifetime free Wifi updates are available.
It connects with a rechargeable wireless dongle that needs to be plugged into the OBD port for post 1995 vehicles or with alligator clamps for vehicles without OBD.
Below information will be automatically recognized when the OBD is connected:
- Vehicle information: make, model and year
- Battery information: tab will display on the bottom of the screen: battery type, standard and capacity
- Battery temperature: automatically measured by the battery tester
You can also scan your license plate to quickly obtain the vehicle’s information (not supported for all types of plates). You can manually enter the license plate numbers if it is not available.
The built-in printer enables you to print a professional-looking personalized test report for your own records or to show to a friend or customer.
Car batteries for 53+ vehicle brands can be registered automatically by scanning the battery’s barcode with the built-in scanner or by manual input.
It’s important to register your battery to let your engine control module (DME) know the type of newly installed battery, so the software can reset the old battery statistics, which help you avoid the following issues:
- Shortened battery life because of overcharging
- Energy management system malfunction
- Start-stop system malfunction
- Vehicle fails to start
- Alternator IGR malfunction / the energy recovery is invalid
- Electrical accessories may not work normally
After registration of the new battery, it can perform a vehicle system initialization to reset the components.
BT608E enables one-touch battery replacement & Battery Management System (BMS) reset.
This Autel car battery tester also integrates existing battery tests, new battery registration and error code reading.
Following functions make it stand out:
- Auto battery registration: No need for another diagnostic tool
- Diagnostic functions: Code scanning enables reading and erasing codes
- Step-by-step battery replacement instructions: Skips unnecessary steps and saves time
If vehicle power is interrupted or lost during battery replacement, the position settings of some vehicle components could be lost and can fail to work properly.
BT608E battery test scanner can help DIY-ers as well as professionals with step-by-step instructions to reset the electric appliances and systems like:
- Sunroof reset
- Lane-departure warning system
- Pre-collision system
- Emission inspection and maintenance program
The BT608E is the most versatile, affordable professional-grade full-function wireless Bluetooth / Wifi OBDII battery and charging system tester / scanner / analyzer / printer on the market today.
Probes and an Amp clamp can also be added optionally.
Yeah, we know you want it as badly as we do 😉
PROS:
- Accurate, easy to use
- Tests 6V and 12V batteries from 100 to 3000 CCA
- Tests 12V and 24V cranking / charging systems
- Battery barcode scan function for battery specifications
- Handy on-screen instruction guides with illustrations
- Very responsive touchscreen
- Heavy-Duty casing, cables and clamps
- Protective hard case included
- In-vehicle and out-of-vehicle tests
- Rechargeable built-in lithium batteries
- Built-in printer for test reports
- Battery location function
- For Flooded Lead-Acid, AGM, AGM Spiral, EFB and Gel car batteries
- Built-in scanner / camera
- VIN-code scanner or auto-detect via OBD port
- Read and erase error codes
- Compatible with CCA, CA, SAE, EN, IEC, DIN, JIS and MCA
- Data management setting
- Automatic OBD vehicle and battery information
- Android-based
- Bluetooth and Wifi connectivity
- Free lifetime WIFI software updates, no subscription fees
CONS:
- No bi-directional control
- Amp clamp and probes are optional
- Screen protector is optional
Best Analog Car Battery Tester
SPECS:
- Tests: Battery
- Voltage: 6V / 12V
- Battery types: All
- Battery capacity: Up to 1000 CCA
- Internal battery: No
- Standards: n/a
- Display: Analog
The Schumacher BT-100 delivers a complete charging system diagnosis for batteries in cars, small trucks, RVs, motorcycles, ATVs, boats and lawn tractors.
This old-school trusted analogue device can test load, battery condition and starter motor draw.
A 50 Amp load test for 6V batteries and a 100 Amp load test for 12V batteries can be performed up to 1000 CCA.
This car battery tester is simple to operate with its top-mounted rocker switch for ease of use and it has highly visible meter readings.
The BT-100 is equipped with super-grip, heavy-duty, color-coded battery clamps.
The durable steel casing with baked enamel shell and rubber-insulated carrying handle is well-ventilated to stay cool(er) under load.
No-nonsense, old-school reliable testing this is…
PROS:
- Easy to use
- “Real” hardware resistance load testing
- Super-grip, heavy-duty, color-coded battery clamps
- Well-ventilated, durable steel casing with baked enamel shell and rubber-insulated carrying handle
- For 6V and 12V batteries up to 1000 CCA
- Needs no internal batteries
- No electronics or updates
CONS:
- Gets hot under load testing (which is normal)
- Less accurate readings compared to digital testers
- Analogue display sensitive to hard handling
Final Thoughts
Like with all choices in life, budget and personal preference play a large role in choosing a car battery tester.
Let’s start with our two budget buys:
- While the AUTDER 12V/24V Car Battery Tester is the cheapest tester in our selection by far, it still gives you a rough idea of what shape your battery and charging system are in.
- If you’re looking for a more detailed digital analysis, the KONNWEI KW208 outperforms all competitors in the low price range. Awesome deal!
Don’t wanna pop the hood and stuff? Looking for a way to leisurely see what’s going on in the “batt” compartment? Easy-peasy: Innova 3721 Battery and Charging System Monitor
Next up and the less obvious choice maybe, is the analogue Schumacher BT-100.
Although old tech, it does a pretty good job and is arguably the only “real” physical load tester.
Don’t like old tech? Wanna move freely without wires holding you down?
There’s two awesome wireless battery testers we adore:
- The TOPDON Bluetooth Car Battery Tester because it’s just unbelievable how intuitive and user-friendly this Bluetooth device communicates with your smartphone-installed app, neatly sorting all data for you and handing them on a plate… Well, phone actually 😉
- If budget is no issue, you should definitely go for the Autel Battery Tester MaxiBAS BT608(E). It is more capable than most professional testers that cost several times its price. Respect!
Finally, our trophy of “Best Overall” goes to… (drumroll…): FOXWELL BT705 Car Battery Tester.
This guy is just hard to beat: packed with jummy tech stuff, user-friendly, reliable and it won’t break the bank.
This may be the perfect balancing act between affordability and capability…
OK, now that we’ve “tested” the market out there, it’s for you to “know” which tester to choose between all these goodies…
Enjoy!
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