Before you start running your car after a period of hibernation, a car battery tester is one piece of kit that will let you know straight away if your pride and joy will fire up on the turn of the key. They are also handy to have to keep a check on charge levels if you find yourself doing shorter journeys using a lot of electrical equipment, as you may do during the winter months. If your battery does need charging, take a look at our favourite battery chargers.
Even if your car hasn’t been in hibernation but has been running the same battery for a while, you might want to keep an eye on its battery health as this can often lead to signs of problems elsewhere, like the alternator, for example.
Having a healthy working battery is one of the small things we can do to keep our car healthy. If your battery is strong and healthy, it’ll put less pressure on the engine during the starting phase. Give it a solid kick to get everything ticking over, but how do you know the life left in your battery? You buy yourself a battery tester, of course.
The best car battery testers at a glance
Editor’s choice: Sealey AK500 Battery and Alternator Tester – buy from Amazon
The best simple battery tester: Streetwize Battery and Alternator Tester – buy from Euro Car Parts
Best for an easy readout: Hilka Battery and Alternator Tester – buy from Argos
There are different kinds, going from quite rudimentary options to very detailed printouts of your battery life and giving you information and knowledge, allowing you to take appropriate actions.
The best car battery testers
Editor’s choice
Pros
- Easy to store
- Easy to use
- Quick readout
Cons
- Not overly detailed
| Battery type: | All batteries |
| Dimensions: | 1.88 x 8.2 x 1.88cm |
| Weight: | 20 grams |
| Reverse polarity indicator: | No |
Best simple battery tester
Pros
- Easy to read
- Easy to use
- Quick results
Cons
- Not so much detail
| Battery type: | Suitable for stop/start batteries |
| Dimensions: | 24.4 x 11.6 x 2.2 cm |
| Weight: | 100g |
| Reverse polarity indicator: | No |
Best battery tester for easy readouts
Pros
- Low cost
- Easy to use
- Quick readout
Cons
- Not a very detailed readout
| Battery type: | Suitable for stop/start batteries |
| Dimensions: | 11.9 x 3.1 x 1.5 cm |
| Weight: | 60 grams |
| Reverse polarity indicator: | Yes |
Best digital battery tester
Pros
- Plenty of information
- Easy to use
- Accurate
Cons
- High price for domestic use
| Battery type: | Common lead acid battery types, including gel and AGM, stop/start up to 150Ah |
| Dimensions: | Not given |
| Weight: | Not given |
| Reverse polarity indicator: | Yes |
Best premium battery tester
Pros
- Wide range of batteries
- Plenty of information
- Able to read batteries for more information
Cons
- Overkill for domestic use, with a high price
| Battery type: | A wide range |
| Dimensions: | Not given |
| Weight: | Not given |
| Reverse polarity indicator: | Yes |
FAQs
What does a car battery tester do?
A car battery tester checks the health and performance of a vehicle’s battery. It measures key factors like:
Voltage: To check if the battery is charged.
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): To determine the battery’s ability to start the engine in cold weather.
State of Health (SOH): To assess overall battery health, including whether it needs to be recharged or replaced.
What types of car battery testers are available in the UK?
In the UK, the most common types of battery testers include:
Basic Digital Multimeters: These measure voltage and can indicate if the battery is fully charged or not.
Load Testers: These apply a simulated load to the battery to check its capacity to deliver current.
Advanced Battery Analyzers: These provide detailed diagnostics, including battery health, CCA, and charging system status.
Are car battery testers easy to use?
Yes, most car battery testers are straightforward to use. Basic digital multimeters and battery analyzers often come with easy-to-read displays and simple testing procedures. Many modern testers have automatic features, making them accessible to non-experts.
Can I use a car battery tester for both 6V and 12V batteries?
Most car battery testers in the UK are designed to work with 12V batteries, which are standard in modern vehicles. However, some testers are also compatible with 6V batteries, typically found in classic cars, motorcycles, or smaller vehicles. Always check the tester’s specifications for compatibility.
How often should I test my car battery?
It’s recommended to test your car battery at least twice a year, especially before winter, when cold weather can reduce battery efficiency. Regular testing helps you spot any issues early and prevents unexpected battery failure.
Can a battery tester tell me if I need to replace my battery?
Yes, a battery tester can provide an indication of whether your battery is nearing the end of its life. If the tester shows low voltage or low CCA performance, it may be time to replace the battery. Many advanced testers also provide a “replace battery” recommendation based on the state of health (SOH)
How we choose
All of these battery testers have been hand-selected by our team of experts who have spent hours investigating and researching battery testers to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we’d never recommend a product we don’t believe in.
Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about.
Ryan Gilmore is the Deputy Autos and Tools Editor for Parkers and CAR, specialising in car cleaning and hand tools. With an MA in Automotive Journalism, when he’s not testing buckets, he can be found looking at old Porsches.
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Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections – read why you should trust us
Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us.
