My wife's car battery died , I replaced it and checked the charging voltage with my Fluke DVM, I'm using this opportunity to buy another tool and am interested in a load tester. Are the digital units better/worse than the carbon pile testers? I realize they aren't true load testers Amazon.com: FOXWELL BT705 12V 24V Car Battery Tester Automotive 100-2000 CCA Battery Load Tester Auto Cranking and Charging System Test Scan Tool Digital Battery Analyzer for Vehicles and Heavy Duty Trucks: Automotive Looking for any opinions from the full time mechanics Probably want to cap the purchase amount to not exceed $200 unless there's a compelling reason to do so Thanks
The digital ones are better. The toaster oven ones you can't set the type of battery, the amp hour or cold cranking amps. Get a digital one because you can use it for all types of batteries
I've worked in the battery industry for 15 years. The electric ones are usually more portable, but I like how the old school load testers let you actually see how the voltage drops off on a weak battery. Or, conversely, how voltage stays rock solid over 15 seconds on a new battery. That gives me more info on exactly the state of the battery. But that info is not necessary. An electronic unit will give you an answer to your main question (Is this battery good or bad?) just as well.
Lol. I started my career working at a Batteries Plus store in Wisconsin. In the beginning of the winter season, I'd change about 10-12 car batteries per day, outside. Needless to say...I know what you mean!
Follow up, I got the one in the Amazon link, it tests the battery CCA, engine start voltage, charging voltage at idle loaded (hi beam lights on, blower on) and unloaded, same test with engine rev'd Decent tool, easy to use, comes in a hard case
I agree I like the carbon pile type testers but you need to know what a bad battery looks like, may not be great for a dyi type. Or just say f it and put a new battery in every 5 years.
