Essential Tips for Testing Your Car Battery and Preparing Emergency Supplies

Ash Brown
3 hours ago
3 min read

Car troubles often come without warning, and a dead battery is one of the most common reasons drivers get stranded. Knowing how to test your car battery can save you time, money, and stress. At the same time, having the right emergency supplies in your vehicle ensures you stay safe and prepared for unexpected situations. Recent trends show a surge in searches for “how to test car battery” and a sharp increase in interest for “emergency supplies for car,” highlighting the growing awareness among drivers about vehicle readiness.

This post will guide you through simple, effective ways to check your car battery’s health and suggest essential emergency items every driver should keep on hand.

Close-up view of a car battery with testing equipment attached — Testing a car battery with a multimeter

How to Test Your Car Battery at Home

Testing your car battery doesn’t require special skills or expensive tools. You can do it yourself with a few basic steps.

What You Need

A digital multimeter (available at most auto parts stores)
Safety gloves and glasses
Clean cloth or wire brush (to clean battery terminals)

Step-by-Step Battery Test

Turn off your car and all accessories. Make sure the engine is off and lights, radio, and other electrical components are switched off.
Locate the battery. Most cars have the battery under the hood, but some models place it in the trunk or under a seat.
Clean the battery terminals. Use a cloth or wire brush to remove any corrosion or dirt for a better connection.
Set your multimeter to DC voltage. Choose a range that can measure up to 20 volts.
Connect the multimeter probes. Attach the red probe to the positive terminal (+) and the black probe to the negative terminal (-).
Read the voltage. A healthy, fully charged battery should read about 12.6 volts or higher. If the reading is below 12.4 volts, the battery may be weak or discharged. Below 12 volts usually means the battery needs replacement.

Additional Tips

Test the battery when the car has been off for at least an hour to get an accurate reading.
If you get a low reading, try jump-starting the car and then test the battery again. If the voltage drops quickly, the battery likely cannot hold a charge.
Consider professional testing if you are unsure or if your battery is older than three years.

Signs Your Car Battery Needs Attention

Knowing when to test your battery can prevent sudden failures. Watch for these warning signs:

Slow engine crank when starting
Dim headlights or interior lights
Electrical issues like malfunctioning power windows or radio
A swollen or leaking battery case
The check engine or battery warning light on your dashboard

If you notice any of these, testing your battery is a good first step.

Preparing Emergency Supplies for Your Car

Emergencies on the road can happen anytime. Having the right supplies can make a big difference in your safety and comfort.

Essential Items to Keep in Your Car

Jumper cables or a portable jump starter

These help you or others start a dead battery without waiting for roadside assistance.

Flashlight with extra batteries

Useful for nighttime emergencies or checking under the hood.

First aid kit

Basic medical supplies for minor injuries.

Reflective warning triangles or flares

To alert other drivers if you break down.

Multi-tool or basic toolkit

For small repairs or adjustments.

Water and non-perishable snacks

In case you get stuck for a while.

Blanket and warm clothing

Important during cold weather.

Phone charger or power bank

To keep your phone charged for calls or navigation.

Organizing Your Supplies

Keep your emergency items in a dedicated bag or container. Store it in an accessible spot like the trunk or under a seat. Regularly check your supplies to replace expired items or batteries.

Why Testing Your Battery and Emergency Supplies Matter

Recent data shows a spike in searches related to car battery testing and emergency supplies, reflecting growing driver concerns. This trend is especially relevant as airports like Charlotte, Austin, and DCA have seen increased searches for closures, though they remain open in 2026. This suggests travelers and commuters want to be prepared for unexpected delays or vehicle issues.

Regular battery testing helps avoid being stranded, while emergency supplies provide peace of mind and practical help during breakdowns. Together, these steps improve your safety and reduce stress on the road.