12 Volt Battery Essential Tools

[joeriv]

I read more than a few posts about dying 12 volt batteries and the havoc it can cause. Seems to me a couple of basic tools for any Leaf can prevent these problems - my 2013 Leaf’s battery was in top shape for almost 3 1/2 years and I think these tools helped.

First I would get a 12 volt battery maintainer. When I travel for more than a few days I pop the hood and throw this on:

CTEK (56-865) US 0.8 12 Volt Fully Automatic 6 Step Battery Charger

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006CQ9BMO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It goes through a process to desulfate the battery to make it last longer. Second I use this to check the battery’s health:

SOLAR BA5 100-1200 Cold Cranking Amps Electronic Battery Tester

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0017R5EQK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

So simple - just hook it up and get a reading - it tells you instantly how the battery stacks up to its rated CCA. I’ve seen posts where someone buys a 12 volt battery to discover that was not the issue.

IMHO these tools are worth the money to prevent 12 volt battery problems. There may be some cheaper tools available but these work great for me.

 

[LeftieBiker]

First I would get a 12 volt battery maintainer. When I travel for more than a few days I pop the hood and throw this on:

For that scenario it's easier and more convenient to hardwire a connector in the charge port compartment.

 

[gncndad]

I've use BatteryTenderPlus for years, and always hardwire them, and as LeftieBiker recommends, through the front charging port. I can always tell if a battery is tired by how long it takes to get to a full charge.
I connect the charger every 6 weeks or so, on all my cars.

 

[joeriv]

I thought about hardwiring but I like to periodically check fluid levels and top up the washer fluid, so I do so when charging.

 

[Nubo]

SOLAR BA5 100-1200 Cold Cranking Amps Electronic Battery Tester

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0017R5EQK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

So simple - just hook it up and get a reading - it tells you instantly how the battery stacks up to its rated CCA. I’ve seen posts where someone buys a 12 volt battery to discover that was not the issue.

Interesting. I wonder how it works?

My tester is old-school; basically a little "space heater" that puts a load on the battery for a few seconds to see how it affects the voltage. It does put out a lot of heat. Crude but effective test.

 

[goldbrick]

My tester is old-school; basically a little "space heater" that puts a load on the battery for a few seconds to see how it affects the voltage. It does put out a lot of heat. Crude but effective test.

I once worked with an engineer who used to test his audio power amplifier designs by using them to drive a toaster. Crude but effective.