When you are out there planning on buying a second-hand car, there are many if's and but's that rise in one's mind, and why not? It is like an investment you make and maybe a huge part of your bucket list. When you spend a significant chunk of money on a second-hand premium car, you need to make sure it is reliable. There are many things to check before buying a second-hand car, like reliability checks, history checks, etc. Now when you are out there searching for the most reliable used luxury cars, here is something you need to bat an eye on. Most reliable premium cars out there are not one that doesn't have a scratch but the ones whose health is up to mark. If you talk about health, then one major criterion whose health check-up is necessary is your second-hand car batteries.

A car battery is a crucial factor because of the numerous reasons you don't want to wake-up to a missed start, experience sweating in your car, look at dirty windshields, not able to jazz up in your ride, or spot your car lamps not working efficiently. Second-hand car batteries can be a tricky business as you don't know their exact condition, but you can be well aware of them if you do some checks. If you are still thinking about what to check when buying a used car, car battery problems and solutions should be the first thing on your mind. There are many ways by which you can maximise your car battery’s efficiency. One of the most vital factors is to avoid car idling, as it leads to fuel wastage & further affects the battery’s health.

Used Car Battery Health: Restoring Second-Hand Car Batteries

To power all the electrical components in your vehicle, a car battery supplies a blast of electricity. This sounds like an overwhelming responsibility. As you've probably noticed, a car without battery power will not start. Here is how to check car battery health and how to restore a car battery.

• VITAL VOLTAGE CHECKS

The first and foremost car battery health indicator is the voltage of your second-hand car battery. You can take a voltmeter, cut off all the accessories that could drain your battery power, and then perform the test. The result should vary between 12.4-12.7 volts, and if it shows 11.8 volts or less, you need to charge your battery or consider changing it.

• HEADLIGHT- A HEALTH REFLECTOR

When you don't have that voltmeter handy and want to perform a quick car battery health check, don't worry, your headlights have got you covered. Too dark indicates a low car battery, while too bright indicates your alternator is not supplying sufficient current for charging. Just the right? Then your second-hand car batteries are just doing fine.

• LOOK OUT FOR CAR BATTERY HEALTH INDICATOR

You read it right as the modern most-reliable premium used cars will have a car battery condition indicator. An indicator is a case fastened to the battery, and when you switch on the ignition, the pointer progresses to either red or green. Pretty much self-explanatory red symbolises low voltage while green symbolises good condition. It will also indicate when your battery is empty, unusable, and needs a change by turning all black.

• STAPLE LOAD TEST

Another excellent car battery status indicator is a load test. You can ask the mechanic to perform one, and if your car battery can hold 9.6 volts for 15 seconds, then it is a green signal for you. Always make sure that the battery is fully charged before performing this car battery test.

• PULL OUT SOME METERS

Here we are talking about ammeters and hydrometers. Both of them, respectively, are reliable ways to monitor car battery health. Ammeter checks incoming and outgoing charge of the battery and indicates whether the alternator is charging your battery up to the mark or not. If the incoming charge is full, your battery is all right. On the other hand, a hydrometer indicates the measure of acidity in the battery plates. If the acid is weak, the battery is running efficiently. A functioning battery will show a reading between 1.265 and 1.299.

• PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

It is undoubtedly a crucial factor when it comes to car battery check up. Disconnect the battery and put it on a flat surface. Look out that no bulge has formed on the surface because doming results from overcharging. Inspect for the cracks on terminals, and if there are any, you might need to replace them. 

• CLEAN IT OUT

 An excellent method if you are looking for ways to restore your battery is a thorough cleaning. It involves disconnecting your battery, emptying fluids, cleaning using baking soda mixture gently on the sides, and the battery itself using a gentle brush. Wipe off the excess liquids, dry it out, and then charge it. Make sure to grease it when placing back. Ideally, when getting your used car servicing done, ask your mechanic to clean those second-hand car batteries and grease them properly for longer battery life.